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ERRATA 

Page 52— Second paragraph, first line. Reads, "August 
8." Should read lune 8. 

Page 60— Third paragraph, seventh line. Reads, "One 
Hundred and Third, One Hundred and Fourth and One 
Hundred and Twelfth Illinois, Etc." Should read One 
Hundred and Third, One Hundred and Fourth, Ohio, and 
One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois, Etc. 

Page 68— Fourth paragraph, third line. Reads "Plain's 
Cross Roads." Should read Blaine's Cross Roads. 

Page 123— Chapter VIII. Reads, Nashville, Tenn., to 
Clifton, Tenn. Should read. From Atlanta, Ga., to Nash- 
ville, Tenn. 

Page 132— First paragraph, fourteenth line. Reads, 
"usually quiet." Should read, unusually quiet. 

Page 137— Second paragraph, twelfth line. Reads, 
"but do it return fire." Should read, but do not return fire. 

Page 155— First paragraph, veleventh line. Reads with 
names of "unknown." Should read, with names or "un- 
known." 

Page 157 — Lines fifteen and sixteen transposed. 

Page 166 — First paragraph, fourth line. Reads, "at 
some scheduled spot." Should read, at some secluded spot. 

Page 172 — First paragraph, ninth line. Reads, "by our 
navy, many Confederate." Should read, by our navy, yet 
manv Confederate. 

Page 173 — Second line from top of page. Reads, "was 
turned with about eighty sick prisoners." Should read, 
was burned, with about eighty sick prisoners. 

Page 133— First paragraph, -thirteenth line. Should 
read bYidges, not brigades. 

Page 162 — Twenty-fifth line, second paragraph. Should 
read, probable, not probably. 



BRADSHAW PRINTING COMPANY 
ALLIANCE, OHIO 



FOOTPRINTS 

THROUGH 

DIXIE 



EVERYDAY LIFE OF THE MAN 
UNDER A MUSKET 

ON THE FIRING LINE AND IN 

THE TRENCHES 

1862-1865 



\ y J. W. GASKILL 

ALLIANCE, OHIO 
1919 



El (oO i 



CONTENTS 



Chapter One — Camp Massillon to Cincinnati and Lexington, Ky. 21 

Muster in — Trip to seat of war — Enemy threatens Cincinnati — 
Autocrat of the picket line. "Raw material" under cover — First ex- 
perience under fire — Austrian muskets in action — Grand rounds has 
narrow escape — Preacher handy with a rawhide — Squirrel hunters — 
The "nubbuh" brigadier — Vile water — Boys threaten the "nubbin" — 
Protecting rebel property — Called out by false alarms — March to 
Lexington — Ambulances crowded with "victims" of "Tadpole" pond — 
Change of commander — Severe drill and discipline — Ritchey delight- 
ed with drill and steady job — Captain resigns — Christmas box that 
never reaches us — Reilly's penetrating voice — First "sting" of the 
grayback — Midnight order to march. 

Chapter Two — Richmond to Mt. Vernon, Kentucky 39 

March to Richmond, Ky. — Pass home of Clay — Build fortifica- 
tions — First pay day — Desertions — Officers resign — March to Dan- 
ville, Ky. — Slaves advertised for sale — March to Frankfort, Ky. More 
officers resign — On provost duty — Thirty-two mile march to Danville 
— On to Camp "Dick" and Lexington — Again tenting on the old camp 
ground — Drill and camp duties a plenty — Car ride to Nicholasville — 
Find what we are looking for — Chased back to fortifications — Rebs 
capture pickets — March to Lancaster, Crab Orchard and Mt. Vernon 

Chapter Three — Mt. Vernon, Ky. to Knoxville, Tennessee 49 

Scouting in Wildcat mountains — No end to drills — Inspections — 
In the guard house — Clean faces and equipments — Conscientious ser- 
geant pacified — Kentucky pies — Development of brigadiers under 
muskets — March to Camp Nelson, Somerset and Danville — Again 
"tenting on the old camp ground" — Prepare for march through the 
Cumberlands — March to Cumberland river — "Eli hides behind his 
knapsack" — Nick's disloyalty — In the mountains — Helping artillery 
over hard spots — Mountain scenery new but not pleasing — Parson 
Brownlow — Arrive at Knoxville — Hearty welcome by citizens — Flank 
movement to Cumberland Gap — Enemy surrenders — Return to Knox- 
ville — Lively discussion in the ranks — Vote for Brough for governor 
— Four votes for Valandingham in regiment — Siege of Knoxville — On 
guard at Citizens prison — Hospitable rebel family — Rebels close in 
and siege begins — Enemy repulsed at Ft. Sanders — Carry off rebel 
dead — Nearing point of starvation — Sherman with Fourth Corps to 
the rescue — Disappointed secesh girls — Enemy retreat — Shower of 
mail from home — March to Strawberry plains — Scouting in surround- 
ing country — Starvation and cold — Valley Forge of Civil War — See- 
ly's "graybacks starving" — Piteous cries of famishing mules — No base 
of supplies — Living off devastated country — Sergeant writes a chap- 
ter in my diary — "Dad" Schooley secures a job as miller but business 
is poor — Not much to grind — Jake makes a "killing" — Hospitals crow- 
ded with fever and scurvy victims. Return to Knoxville. 

Chapter Four — Knoxville and Return 83 

Warm clothing and full rations — Another scout east of the city — 
Arrive at "Valley Forge" and bivouac — Navigation open on the Hol- 
ston — March to New Market, Mossy Creek and Morristown — Pickets 
attacked — Enemy driven back— Retreat to Mossy Creek — Return to 
Morristown and on to Bulls Gap — Yonie a reliable weather prophet — 
Tear up railroad and burn bridges — A bug in his ear — Recruits arrive 
— Return to Knoxville — On provost duty — Brownlow re-establishes 
his paper calling it "The Knoxville Whig And Rebel Ventilator." 

Chapter Five — Knoxville, Tenn. to Chattahoochie River Ga 95 

Goodbye to friends in Knoxville — March to Redclay, Ga. — Snake 
Creek Gap and Rockyface Ridge — "Rolling stones gather no moss" 

M Mil 



Battle of Resaca, Ga. Yonie's weather predictions dependable — Cass- 
ville, Cartersville, Dallas and on to Kenesaw mountain — Blazing fire- 
works from summit of Kenesaw — Dodging from cover to cover on 
the skirmish line — The Chaplain't dilemma — "Many are the hearts 
that are weary tonight" — On to Marietta and Chattahoochie river — 
Bath and swim — Camp for short rest at Isham's Ferry. 

Chapter Six— Atlanta, Ga. to Decatur, Ga 108 

End of fifty miles of digging, chopping, marching and fighting — 
Physical examination of the army. Many have dropped from the 
ranks through exhaustion — "Fresh Fish" passes first degree — On to 
Atlanta — Enemy driven to works defending the city — Assault by the 
enemy repulsed — Reilly promoted to brigadier — Death of McPherson 
— Building fortifications — Lured into a trap at Utoy Creek — A broth- 
ex's devotion — Patriotic Tennesseans — Death of our captain — Flank 
movement decided fate of Atlanta. "Atlanta ours and fairly won" — 
In hospital at Atlanta — Depopulation of city. "War is Hell." 

Chapter Seven — Decatur, Ga. to Nashville, Tenn 123 

Camp at Decatur, Ga. — Loss since beginning of campaign — Seven- 
ty-five miles of graves — "Salamanders" — Planter on his dignity — Rit- 
chey makes trouble between Yonie and Fritz — Enemy cuts cracker 
line — Oracles losing faith in Sherman's generalship. — March to Al- 
toona — Kenesaw mountain — Enemy's assault repulsed by General 
Corse — In pursuit of enemy — Hood tearing up railroad and burning 
bridges — Enemy evasive and dodging battles — "Hold the Fort" — Boys 
discouraged — Fritz says Sherman is crazy — Sherman's army divided — 
Beginning of march to the sea — Fourth and Twenty-third Corps left 
to look after Hood — Dixie ladies do not love Yanks — Thrilling expe- 
rience passing over skeleton bridges — Arrive at Nashville — Vote for 
Lincoln — Boys discouraged — Smitty and Fritz may be wiser than they 
look. 

Chapter Eight— Nashville, Tenn. to Clifton, Tenn 135 

Battles of Franklin and Nashville — Exciting foot race — Narrow 
escape at Spring Mill — Grilling night retreat — Visit Zolicoffer Hotel 
— Rebel army annihilated — Boys pester Yonie and Fritz — Smitty rea- 
lizes on his troubles — Visit Franklin battle field and bury our dead — 
Capture our wounded who are cared for by citizens of Franklin — 
Nearly two thousand new made graves — March to Columbia — Chick- 
en for Christmas dinner — Spare ribs and backbone — March to Clifton, 
Tenn. — Adventure with bushwhackers — Rebel letter. 

Chapter Nine— Clifton, Tenn. to Wilmington, N. C 162 

Down Tennessee river on transports and up Ohio to Cincinnati, O. 
— Again on native soil — Over Snow bound country to Bellaire by rail 
— Feasting on the way — Adventure on "French" furlough — On to 
Washington, D. C. — Georgia "Woodticks" — Down the Atlantic to Ft. 
Fisher and Cape Fear — Seely makes his will — Landing at Smithville 
— Capture of Ft. Anderson and Wilmington — Enemy destroy property 
and retreat — Celebrate capture of enemy's last seaport — Sergeants 
have an "argument" — Overstocked with tobacco, cigars and whiskey 
— Andersonville prisoners — On provost duty in city. 

Chapter Ten — Wilmington to Greensboro, N. C. and Home 174 

March to Goldsboro — Fine plantations — Fences decorated with 
pickaninnies — Meet advance of Sherman's army — Contrabands of war 
— Whipping post and auction block — Evacuation of Richmond and 
surrender of Lee — Great rejoicing in camp — Davis on the hunt of 
new seat of government — Cavalry on the hunt of Davis and one hun- 
dred thousand dollar reward — March to Raleigh — Assassination of 
Lincoln — Alarm at Raleigh — Surrender of Johnson to Sherman — Sul- 
tana Disaster — Regiment takes possession of property — About four 
hundred yanks land in the midst of thirty thousand Johnnies — End of 
war — Convention of Ohio soldiers endorse General Cox for Governor 
of Ohio— Visit old battle field of Guilford Court House 1781— Muster 
out and return home — Unknown correspondents. 



DEDICATION 



To the children and grandchildren of my eighty-seven 
comrades who have answered the final roll call, and to my 
twelve surviving comrades of company "B" 104th, Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who near three score years ago 
marched out one hundred strong in defense of the Union and 
to my brave and loyal East Tennessee and Kentucky com- 
rades of the 23d Army Corps who suffered persecution rather 
than forsake their state, and their country's flag; driven from 
devastated homes, secreting themselves in caves and fighting 
their way through mountains in endeavor to reach Union lines, 
forming into company's and regiments, gallantly fighting and 
making the sacrifice of life in defense of their State and 
Union, this little volume is dedicated. 

Alliance, Ohio, August, 1919. 




PREFACE 

RITERS of war history necessarily confine them- 
selves to causes of war, the movements of armies, 
the results of battles and matters of major import- 
ij ance making for the weal or woe of contending 
forces engaged, history that goes down through ages and lives 
long after those who bore the storm of shell and fire, felt the 
pangs of defeat or joined in the shout of victory, have return- 
ed again to their kindred dust. 

But there is another history, an unwritten history. It is 
the story of the every day life of the soldier in arms, the 
lights and the shadows of the men on the field and in camp, 
the life and work, the heart-beats and throbs of the men on the 
firing line, the history as only those engaged as comrades 
know it and which largely finds expression only at campfires 
as they meet in after years. 

It is this history, the story of comrades in the ranks, this 
little volume records, a history compiled from a diary, the 
notes made day by day through the years of service by the 
author himself. It is the story of battlefields, character 
sketches of types found in every company, incidents grave 
and gay of comrades who met face to face the grillings, hard- 
ships and dangers of military service. 

In the belief that it might prove of interest to comrades 
who are still living and to kindred and friends of those who 
have passed away, with the further hope that it may prove of 
value as a family heirloom with a record entered therein 
showing the valor and daring of fathers, brothers or hus- 
bands, typical of the character and life they lived and duty 
performed in a nation's trying hour, has this little volume 
been written and sent adrift to the world by the 

—AUTHOR 



SERVICE RECORD 



This space is for filling by comrade, widow or children of 
departed soldier, or soldier of our country's wars as a record 
or heirloom for the passing to posterity in the way of family 
history — something that cannot other than become more a 
pride with the passing of years. 



WAR OF REBELLION 

Name 

Date of Enlistment 

Date of Discharge 

Company Regiment 

Brigade Division. 

Army Corps 

Date of Birth Date of Death 



SERVICE RECORD) 



WORLD'S WAR 



Name 

Date of Enlistment 

Date of Discharge 

Company Regiment 

Brigade Division. 

Army Corps 

Date of Birth Date of Death 



WAR WITH SPAIN 

Name 

Date of Enlistment 

Date of Discharge 

Company Regiment 

Brigade Division. 

Army Corps 

Date of Birth Date of Death 



OTHER WARS 



Name 

Date of Enlistment. 



Date of Discharge 

Company Regiment. 



Brigade Division. 

Army Corps 

Date of Birth Date of Death 



Name 

Date of Enlistment 

Date of Discharge 

Company Regiment 

Brigade Division. 

Army Corps 

Date of Birth Date of Death 



INTRODUCTORY 



"We are Coming Father Abraham, Six Hundred Thousand More." 

It is now nearing three score years since we responded to this 
call and marched out to meet a threatened invasion of the North by 
insurgent forces who had driven our forces northward threatening 
Washington City and Cincinnati, Ohio. 

This history is compiled from a diary written while serving in 
the ranks with the 104th Volunteer Infantry, 23d Corps, Army of \\ 
Ohio, throughout the last three years of the war in the middle west- 
ern Army. 

First year we were engaged in drilling, cleaning up camp grounds, 
dodging, chasing and being chased by rebel cavalry and wearing out 
shoe soles on the hot and dusty pikes of Kentucky, in the meantime 
burning up many top rails from plantation fences. 

Then with General Burnside, from Kentucky through the Cum- 
berland mountains to Knoxville, Cumberland Gap, siege of Knoxville 
and operations in East Tennessee. After about six months service 
in this state we entered upon the Georgia campaign and united with 
Sherman, forming a part of his forces concentrated near Chattanooga, 
Tenn., and on to Atlanta, Ga., and back to northern Alabama. Then 
under General Thomas at Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nash- 
ville, Tenn. The Confederate army having been driven from the 
southwest we accompanied General Schofield on a mid-winter trip 
from Clifton, Tenn., to the Atlantic coast, via Washington, D. C, and 
down the Potomac river, Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast on 
transports to Cape Fear, N. C, and through this state to Wilmington, 
Goldsboro, Raleigh, ending with the surrender of enemy forces at 
Greensboro, N. C, and end of the struggle. 

Almost incredible, it now seems, are the memories these old 
diaries awaken as I scan their faded and time stained pages. The 
incidents and scenes recalled seem as a dream of the past. Reading 
over the pages noted down day after day recalls to mind many in- 
cidents not recorded at the time and apparently forgotten. 

Again I see tear stained faces of mothers, sisters and wives as we 
wave farewell from the train bearing us to the seat of war, the youth- 
ful and beardless faces of comrades who if now living have passed 
the allotted years given to man. The camping grounds and tented 
fields spread out before me. I hear the patter of rain upon our tents, 
or upon our ponchos under which we often sleep without other shel- 
ter—the tattoo, the reveille and assembly call— the call of the company 
roll from Adams on down the line to Zentz. 

I see ill fed and half clad boys facing blasts of winter in Ten- 
nessee, the exhausted and footsore soldiers apparently on the verge 
of collapse, yet pluckily keeping their place in ranks during our 

11 



Footprints Through Dixie 

forced marches in withering heat of a Georgia midsummer sun. I 
hear the beating of the long roll, the snapping of the bayonet along 
the line as we await the bugle call, the scream of shot and shell, the 
rebel yell as they advance upon our works. I see dead and wounded 
on the field and hear agonizing appeals for help and for mercy. 
Memories of all these are vivid. These scenes again pass before 
me as a motion picture film thrown upon the screen. 

To the young these diaries of half a century agone are a frag- 
ment of ancient history. To the survivors of the civil war it seems 
but yesterday when v/e responded to the call of Lincoln for "six 
hundred thousand more." Yet looking backward over intervening 
years and noting the great progress of our country with its trebled 
population, its advancement to a well-earned position among the 
leading nations of the earth, the application of electricity and arts 
that benefit mankind, we know that these and hundreds of other 
achievements the mind of man has wrought could not have been ac- 
complished without much time and energy. Messages then trans- 
mitted by wire with dots and dashes now fly through space by some 
invisible power and unknown channel. Telephones were unknown, 
gasoline and electricity were unknown as a controlled power to sup- 
ply heat and light. Men who were bold enough to attempt to work 
out the problem of navigating the air were sometimes railroaded to 
insane hospitals. 

The close of the conflict of 1861-5 was the beginning of a new era. 
Our united country with its blight of two hundred years or more 
removed, is working in harmony for the good of mankind. The unity 
of the states is firmly established. That we have lived to see all 
this and feel that the man in the ranks with his able commander have 
contributed to the welfare and progress of the country is a pleasing 
recollection during the closing years of our lives. 

History makes scant note of the every day life of the man under 
a musket upon whose courage, vigilance and stern sense of duty the 
safety of the army depends, either in battle or during the sentinel's 
lonely vigil in the dark forests of the enemy's country; always on 
the alert to give warning of the enemy approach or movements — not 
knowing when the scouting foe may be drawing a deadly aim. The 
every day life of the man in the ranks, while on the march, in the 
camp, on the firing line and in the trenches cannot be given by the 
historian. A history of the war will never be written. Tortures of 
Andersonville and other prisons or the sufferings endured during 
active campaign in a hot blistering climate cannot be expressed in 
words but are deeply impressed on the minds of all who passed 
through the experience. No hours are fixed for the bugle's assembly 
call or beating of the long roll calling to arms. From reveille to 
tattoo and from tattoo to reveille the soldier must be ready to an- 
swer the call of duty. 

12 



Footprints Through Dixie 

No attempt is here made except in a general way to give ac- 
count of the movements or manipulations of the army to which we 
belonged. To get a clear understanding of the purposes and results 
of these movements the reader and writer must refer to history for 
information. A man in the ranks is but a small part of a mass form- 
ing a unit operated by his commander, therefore he is not in a posi- 
tion to give reliable information showing movements or details of 
engagements in which he takes a part. These are left to the histor- 
ian who has access to documents in the war department or possibly 
to him who directs the movements of the forces under his command. 
A man in the ranks sees but little that occurs outside his company 
or regiment. Assaulting the enemy line or defending our own is an 
exceedingly busy time, as well as exciting, and always alarming. 
We look neither to the right or left, but straight ahead delivering 
and dodging ammunition, forgetting for the instant that dodging at the 
"zip" of the ball or explosion of the shell is a vain effort to escape in- 
jury. 

If the writer gives his experience in the army more prominence 
than is given to other members of the company it is not because he 
performed more or better service than did his comrades. In fact, 
the contrary will be shown as the personal records of the soldiers 
are shown further along. This diary was a private record giving 
the writer's personal experience, and events coming to his notice, 
adding as much of the record of members in the company as could 
be obtained from other sources. It is not aimed to impress readers 
with the idea possessed by the boy who, after years of listening 
to his father's daring exploits, the doubting son wanted to know if 
"dad didn't have some help in putting down the rebellon." The old 
veteran probably now realized the fact that his absence from the 
army would not have changed the course of events during that try- 
ing time. 

The writer's experience was practically the experience of all 
who answered the call to duty during campaigns in Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. The same routine of 
duties was performed and the same discipline prevailed throughout 
the infantry branch of service, the measure of discipline enforced, 
depending somewhat upon former training of commanders. 

It is now over half a century since the survivors of the regiment 
were mustered out of service. Of the one hundred men belonging 
to Company "B" thirteen are now (1919) believed to be living. The 
writer has aimed to give a correct record of the service of each 
member of the company as these records are shown by the Orderly 
Sergeant's daily report, showing the number of months each man 
was in line with his command ready for action when called upon to 
perform duty with his company and covering the time from the day 
he shouldered his musket and marched into the unknown until his 
death or discharge from service. 

13 



Footprints Through Dixie 

The few survivors of the regiment are living near their old 
homesteads in Stark, Columbiana and Portage counties, Ohio, to- 
gether with their descendants and the descendants of those who have 
answered to the final roll call. To these this little volume may be 
of interest showing the part their ancestors took "That the govern- 
ment of the people, by the people and for the people might not per- 
ish from the earth." 

Thirty-three members of this company enlisted from Marlboro 
township, twenty-two from Paris township, nineteen from Lake, sev- 
en from Plain township and Canton, Stark county, eleven from Co- 
lumbiana county and the others from townships adjoining. 

During our two years' and ten month's service, the average time 
of service given by the three commissioned officers on duty with 
their company, was nine months, and of the thirteen non-commis- 
sioned officers nearly fifteen months. The average time of service 
given by the eighty-four private soldiers was nearly nineteen months. 
The average age of the commissioned officers was thirty-one years 
and of the non-commissioned officers about twenty-five years. The 
average age of the private soldiers was under twenty-two years. 
Forty of the latter were twenty years of age and under, and twenty- 
three were under nineteen years of age. Ten of these boys had not 
arrived at the age of eighteen years, and three had not reached their 
seventeenth year. 

But few escaped the ills incident to military service when on 
active duty in the field and in camp life. This was due to the change 
from home food to the army ration, to irregular eating and impure 
water. These conditions together with the hard marches and ex- 
posure, brought on fevers, rheumatism and bowel troubles that sent, 
perhaps, ninety percent of the men to the hospital at some period 
during service, and many to the grave. Unless seriously ill those 
reporting at the morning sick call were cared for in the field hospi- 
tal or left to remain at their quarters and report to the surgeon 
for treatment. Others were sent to the general hospitals. Of the 
latter a few returned for duty and the others were either dis- 
charged from service or transferred to the Invalid Corps and placed 
on light duty in the rear of the army as guards over commissary or 
ammunition stores, nurses and helpers at hospitals, etc. 

At the close of the first year's service the company had lost but 
two men in battle, yet it was found it had been reduced about one- 
half from its original number. Eight had been discharged for vari- 
ous reasons, five had died, seven were transferred to the invalid 
corps, four had deserted, one resigned and fourteen were either on 
detached service or in hospitals. Referring to the roster of Ohio 
soldiers it is found that at the close of the first year's service less 
than one-half of the commissioned officers in the regiment were with 
their commands. Favoritism or political pull seems to have placed 
too many straps upon the shoulders of privates. Five of these offi- 

14 



Footprints Through Dixie 

cers had died, three were on detached service and fifteen had re- 
signed. Taking the experience of the company and regiment as a 
basis to figure from, it appears that less than fifty percent of the offi- 
cers and men who entered the army were left to face the rough and 
tumble of field service throughout the war. 

About the same condition existed in the ranks. To detect the 
infirmities of those afflicted with chronic weariness, or the cunning 
dodgers of duty was beyond the ken of examining surgeons. The 
surgeon did not demand certificates showing the characters of re- 
cruits examined. He merely wanted to satisfy himself that recruits 
were sound in wind and limb and possessed home-grown teeth sound 
enough to tear a cartridge or crack a hardtack. This was sufficient. 
Horses and mules passed about the same examination with fewer 
mistakes perhaps. 

Sixty eight members of company "B" were boys from the farms 
and country villages, many of whom were strangers to the outside 
world and its ways. These boys were sometimes afflicted with home- 
sickness, a malady that would not yield to doses of quinine and had 
to run its course. They found trouble in adjusting themselves to 
changed conditions and modes of living. It required an effort to 
change from mother's comfortable bed, her bread and butter, pies, 
dumplings and doughnuts and many other good things often dreamed 
of but never found on the quartermaster's bill of fare. Fat and 
rusty bacon, pickled pork, hardtack and black coffee served any old 
way was a poor substitute for mother's good cooking with her full 
rations served on the table and a chair at the accustomed place. The 
soft side of mother earth (very soft at times) with cartridge box or 
knapsack for pillow, with snakes, lizards and bugs as occasional bed- 
fellows was a trying experience for boys not far past the spanking 
age. Mother wasn't there to tuck in the blanket or with extra cov- 
ering when needed. The sudden change from quiet home life to 
the activities and excitement of military service was not fully real- 
ized until a gun was placed in the hands and military discipline ex- 
acted. At home when dad called in the morning to get up, curry 
and feed the horses and get out on the plowing job, the boy prompt- 
ly answered "y-e-s," then with a snort and a yawn he just rolled over 
and slept on. Dad would sometimes stand for several of these re- 
peated calls, but with Uncle Samuel, it was different. The reveille 
was the first and last call. Uncle never called reveille twice on the 
same day. All he did was extra duty for the sleeper with a prom- 
ise of a lot more extras if the offense was repeated. He was an 
expert at breaking boys into habits of prompt obedience, with no 
apologies, excuses or back talk allowed. 

From this raw material made up from enlistments in the rural 
districts of the west, middle west and border slave states were men 
of endurance, self reliance and pluck. After a few months these boys 
having become inured to military service and discipline, those re- 

15 



Footprints Through Dixie 

maining were ready and willing to answer to the call of duty and 
when it came to the matter of rations it was quantity they were look- 
ing for instead of quality. They seldom turned over for another 
nap at reveille and at roll call were present or accounted for. They 
served under Thomas, Sherman, Wilson, Schofield and others during 
the last years of the war, eating the vitals out of rebeldom and finally 
bringing under subjection the entire southern confederacy, outside 
the state of Virginia. The fact that the western army met v/ith but 
few defeats seems to warrant the conclusion that success was due 
to the power of endurance and fighting qualities of the hardy west- 
ern soldier and his able commander. 

At the time of enlistment the war had been under way over a 
year. A few victories had been won in the west. When it was not 
"all quiet on the Potomac" we knew who was responsible for the dis- 
turbance. It was the prevailing opinion the war was on in ear- 
nest. Yet, at the time of our muster in at Massillon, Ohio, Governor 
Tod was present and made a speech to the regiment predicting that 
the war would soon be over and we would all be at home in time to 
partake of the usual turkey dinner on the following Christmas day. 
We cheered the Governor, of course, yet we believed he was "string- 
ing" us concerning an early closing of the war and Christmas tur- 
key. The governor was an accomplished politician, one who could 
make a pleasing and plausible as well as a promising speech without 
disclosing any more facts than would serve his party's purpose. 
Inadvertently, perhaps, the governor became "mussed" up in his 
speech and thought he was talking to constituents instead of sol- 
diers; hence he believed a promise of some kind was necessary. The 
desire to cheer the governor might have been inspired because of the 
nerve he displayed in giving us this line of talk at a time when Lee 
was trying to overtake the army of the Potomac and was getting 
dangerously near to Washington, and a rebel army was almost within 
shelling distance of Cincinnati. Even the copperheads in the gover- 
nor's own state were rallying at "Fort Fizzle" to resist a threatened 
draft. 

Notwithstanding the governor's speech the outlook for an early 
closing of the war did not look promising to us. Boys who left their 
comfortable homes to enter the service were not moved by rash 
promises, or to make this sacrifice through excitement, a spirit of ad- 
venture or of gain. About forty cents a day was not an alluring in- 
ducement for one of sound mind to become a target, or to endure 
the hardships of active military service. It was evidently an earnest 
sense of duty and devotion to the Union and the cause of freedom 
that inspired these boys to offer their services. They were needed at 
their homes to help till the soil and many were needed in the school 
room to complete their education, an opportunity that was lost be- 
cause of the sacrifice they made. 

They knew the primary cause of the war was slavery as it then 

16 



Footprints Through Dixie 

existed in the south. They knew slavery was protected by the laws 
of ie country, yet was a great wrong that reason could not de end 
Th v believed the beginning of the war was the beginning of the 
end of very and a firmer unity of the states should the northern 
amy prevail.' With no thought of reward these boys answered the 
In coheir country, yet believing that the south would carry out 
call of their country, _y submitting to the 

its determination to fight to the iasi unci 
humiliation of defeat. 

M the final roundup, when the rebel army in the west was al- 
most destroyed at Franklin and Nashville, Tenn.. and the western 
"my had marched thousands of miles throughout the confederacy 
destroying and capturing the enemy's source of supplies, we found 
ourselves confronting his "last ditch" near the border me of Nob 
Carolina A war of attrition conducted in Virginia had reduced he 
Confederate forces to about fifty thousand men consequently the 
services of the Western Army was not needed or desired. 

It was then conceded that the enemy had carried out his "last 
ditch" proposition and Governor Tod's reputation as a forecaster of 
events suffered a severe jolt, for Governor's Christmas turkey was 
about three years older than when he "jollied" at Massillon, Ohio. 

Government statistics show the result of this "before Christmas" 
job, in the Union army, as follows:— 

Killed and died of wounds 94.311. Died of disease 237,374. Total 
deaths 331,685. Total wounded, 272.083; prisoners. 212.608. Total 
casualty, 816,376. Number of graves in National cemeteries 313.555, 
of which 172.500 are marked "Unknown." 

Number of Union officers killed was 6.365. Among the latter was 
39 Generals. Number of Confederate generals killed was 57 Total 
causualty among the general officers in both Union and Confederate 
armies was 218, of whom nearly one hundred was killed in battle. 

The wounds of the past are now healed. We sometimes meet in 
friendly fellowship with our former enemies whose sons and grand- 
sons are touching elbows with our sons of the north while fighting a 
world's war. Near three score years ago many of our adversaries 
sincerely believed it their patriotic duty to support designing pol- 
iticians in their attempt to disrupt the Union and establish a system 
of human slavery, but right and justice prevailed and time has con- 
vinced them they were wrong. 

But our work was well done yet at this great cost of loyal men. 
The crisis predicted by Lincoln had been reached and passed. The 
nation was saved and the bondman given the rights sought and won 
hy our forefathers who startled the world by declaring that "govern- 
ments derive their just power from the consent of the governed; that 
all men are created equal and endowed with the right of life, liberty 
and pursuit of happiness," the Golden Rule of Democracy, a brief 
sentence with a far reaching purpose, now reaching throughout 

17 



Footprints Through Dixie 

royalty ridden Europe. With many self evident rights and abuses in 
view, and enumerated at the time, a new Nation was then founded to 
which these forefathers pledged their lives, their fortunes and their 
sacred honor. At the close of a long and painful struggle a new Re- 
public was recognized among the world's nations, the excellence of 
which these forefathers were unaware and could only live to wit- 
ness a small measure of the wonderful development of their handi- 
work. 

Eighty-five years later we answered the call of Lincoln and 
marched out to battle, there to determine whether a government 
founded upon these principles could long endure. After four years 
covering the darkest page of our country's history that government 
was sustained, treason was destroyed and the unfinished work of its 
founders completed. 

And now, to meet the greatest crisis in the annals of history we 
renew to our allies the pledges given their country by our forefa- 
thers and send our sons and grandsons to establish principles, the 
founders of our government so wisely conceived and proclaimed to 
the world. That liberty, right and justice may reign over the desti- 
nies of nations millions of lives and billions of wealth have been sac- 
rificed while battling a decaying heritage of the dark ages, one that 
defies treaties and laws of civilized warfare in its barbarous struggle 
for supremacy. 

We have reason to be proud of our country's achievement in mo- 
bilizing, training and equipping over two million men in so short a 
time. From civil pursuits these boys have been called and from 
this raw material trained soldiers have been sent from three to four 
thousand miles and placed on the firing line giving timely aid to our 
sorely pressed allies. 

While portions of a war stricken country are in an uproar threat- 
ening renewed wars and revolutions in an effort to build free gov- 
ernments upon the ruins of autocracy, able statesmen from all na- 
tions are struggling with the greatest problem of the ages hoping to 
establish a league of nations that gives promise of peace on earth 
and good will to all men, yet we again hear voices from narrow 
gauged partisans that sound like a far away wail from the tomb of 
of Vallandigham, types of soap box orators and wiseacres inspired 
solely because of partisan affiliation and prejudice. 

Men who have passed over battlefields and witnessed the harvest 
of death, heard the moans and prayers of the maimed and dying vic- 
tims, forced to battle and death by war lords to gratify ambition or 
commercial greed, cannot object to some form of international agree- 
ment that will forever put an end to this barbarous method of set- 
tling differences, or the bartering and parceling out of lands of weak- 
er nations to conquerors. 

Let us hope that the dawn of a new era has arrived and that the 
United States, whose principles and tenets have ever been favorable 

18 



Footprints Through Dixie 

to the weak and downtrodden, in favor of right as against wrong, 
may lead the way to a new birth of the world, one that may develop 
into a more perfect union for the liberties and protection of all the 
peoples of earth. 

We saved a nation from destruction and gave liberty to millions. 
All honor to the boys who have gone to offer their services and lives 
in this great struggle for "The common rights of humanity against 
the divine right of kings," and bring lasting peace .to the world 
When this is accomplished their names will go down in the world's 
history as heroes of the ages, while our services in suppressing a 
huge rebellion or family quarrel will be but a fading memory after 
we have passed away. 

We are pleased to know that our boys, gone out to battle for 
these great principles are not called upon to face the dangers from 
disease due to exposure and many of the hardships that fell to the 
lot of the Civil war soldiers over half a century ago. Then there 
was no conservation of food except in the army; in fact much of the 
food we ate would have fed garbage cans at home. There is nothing 
too good for the men on the firing line and in the trenches but under 
conditions existing during the Civil war comforts could not be pro- 
vided. Today our boys are supplied with improved arms and equip- 
ment and means of protection so needful while with us many died 
in field and hospital for want of the efficient care that is now given. 

With the good shelter, abundance of wholesome food and water 
and many of the comforts of home, with warm meals served in the 
trenches, comfort kits, camp entertainments, cigarettes, chocolates 
and all day suckers, we envy these boys their opportunity of seeing 
something of the old world and contribute our bit toward removing 
a bunch of titled parasites and placing them- in a position to earn an 
honest living. When democracy rules the world thousands of royal 
derelicts will be thrown upon the American market at panic prices. 



During the passing of fifty-four years since we were mus- 
tered out of service we find that it has truly been said that "Dangers 
shared breedeth friendship," and as the years pass this feeling of 
friendship increases as the rapidly decreasing number in our ranks 
grow. 

While in service it was a common remark (closely bordering upon 
a threat) that when this cruel war is over and we are safely at our 
homes, should Mort. Tony or Denious or any one armed with a fife 
drum or bugle ever "loosen up" in our presence with their brands of 
music and instruments of torture, he, or they would be shot on the 
spot. It was declared that a dinner horn was the only musical instru- 
ment that would be allowed to become noisy in our presence. 

Some such feeling as this existed at times when these boys with 

19 



Footprints Through Dixie 

their fifes, drums and bugles were pestering us when we sorely need- 
ed sleep and rest. We might have endured this punishment more pa- 
tiently, perhaps, had we not sometimes seen the boys creep back in 
their bunks after inflicting their punishment. They didn't have to 
drill, go on picket or carry a gun. As we then viewed the situation, 
it was the special duty of these boys to make trouble. 

But it's all over now and we take back all the hard things we 
said while the boys were inflicting their punishment. They per- 
formed their duties as faithfully as we and did no more than obey 
orders. We had to blame some one and dared not talk back to the 
one who was responsible so the boys got it because they were caught 
in the act. 

But this abuse never disturbed their rest, neither did it worry 
them. They never lay awake nights because of what we said to 
them or about them. 

Yes, this bond of comradeship that had its beginning in the ranks 
grows with the passing years. Reunions of companies and regiments 
and annual encampments, that must all pass away within a few years, 
are attended by the few survivors. Here the old familiar notes of 
fife and bugle and beat of drums with Old Glory are now hailed with 
delight and lusty cheers. The bugle call of reveille and tattoo, and 
music of the sheepskin band awaken memories of years when the 
screaming of shot and shell mingled with the bugle call, now bring 
tears to eyes of aged survivors of our Nation's struggle for its life. 
A generation grown up since this struggle for national unity and 
freedom are sometimes amused at hearty expressions of joy shown 
by comrades who meet after many years separation. These old com- 
rades who stood shoulder to shoulder on the firing line and in the 
trenches, possess a strong feeling of comradeship unknown to those 
who have not passed through a like experience. They drank from 
the same canteen, shared each other's blankets, perhaps cared for 
each other when sick or wounded. Notwithstanding this trying ex- 
perience they delight in meeting and recalling the lights and shad- 
ows in the everyday life of the man under a musket, recollections 
that will never grow dim, memories of the trials and triumphs of a 
half century agone. They are now marking time — 

"Their arms are grounded and their ranks are broken, 
The brazen bugle sounds the charge no more. 

They're waiting orders 'till the word is spoken. 
To join their comrades on the other shore." 



20 



CHAPTER I. 

ORGANIZATION OF REGIMENT AND COMPANY 



Among the troops responding to a call made by President Lin- 
coln for six hundred thousand men to assist in putting down the 
rebellion were those forming the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment 
of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

A sufficient number of enlistments having been obtained to organ- 
ize a regiment of one thousand men, the recruits were ordered to 
assemble at Massillon, Ohio, on August 12, 1862, where the regiment 
was organized with the following field officers: — 

James W. Reilly, Colonel, Promoted to Brigadier General, July, 
1864. Resigned April 1, 1865. 

A. S. Mariner, Lt. Colonel, Discharged January 2, 1863. 

L. D. Woodworth, Major, Resigned December 9, 1862. 

K. G. Thomas. Surgeon, Resigned December 27, 1862. 

M. W. Dallas, Chaplain. Resigned January 31, 1863. 

Walter McClymonds, Adjt., Mustered out at close of the war. 

Jacob Shaffer, Quartermaster, Mustered out at close of the war. 

N. McKinsey, Asst. Surgeon Discharged January 31, 1863. 

R. P. Johnson, Asst. Surgeon, Discharged February 5, 1863. 

Stanley Humiston, Sergt. Major, Mustered out at the close of war. 

After the ten companies organized and formed into the One 
Hundred and Fourth regimenet, it remained at Massillon. the men 
awaiting inspection, ph3'sical examination and supplies. In the 
meantime drilling in squads, company's battalion and on the skir- 
mish line occupied the time in preparation for coming events. 

During this time a meeting of the recruits enlisted by Captain 
Jesse K. Coates is ordered for the purpose of electing first and sec- 
ond lieutenants to serve in the company. At this election Franklin A. 
Perdue of Paris township is elected first lieutenant and Andrew J. 
Southworth of Marlboro, second lieutenant. By virtue of the date of 
his commission Captain Coates became second ranking captain in 
the regiment which gave his company the letter "B" and places us on 
the left flank of the regimental line. 

August 30, the regiment is ordered in line where we are in- 
spected and receive the usual examination and then are sworn into 
United States service for three years or during the war, unless sooner 
discharged. After this examination our company is found to be short 
the required number of men, when the following recruits enlisted by 

21 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Captain Coppock of Salem, Ohio are transferred to our company:— 
Thomas R. Adams, Stanley Humanson, Cicero Hawley, John F. 
Heacock, William Little, David C. Martin, Joseph Robinson, George 
Ritchey, George Schooley, George Stratton and Joseph Stuart. 

Having drawn our equipment we find ourselves armed with Aus- 
trian muskets with heavy sword bayonets, the latter almost as heavy 
as the naked gun, while the muskets are wonderful and painful kick- 
ers and look as though they had seen service before. Men who wish 
to escape a broken jaw or dislocated shoulder soon become wise 
enough to hold the musket hard against the shoulder before firing; 
in fact either end of the musket is more or less dangerous. Our 
uniforms consist of navy blue suits throughout, crowning us 
with tall semi-stiff hats generously decorated with feathers, brass 
eagles and wreaths with letters and figures indicating company and 
regiment. 

Fully equipped with all this harness and brass, with guns and 
well filled knapsack, a rush is made for the photographer where full 
length pictures are ordered for the folks at home. 

September 2, orders are issued to be in readiness for a move- 
ment to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the rebel General Kirby Smith is 
reported to be threatening that city and is now occupying the hills 
on the Kentucky side of the Ohio river. 

The last days in camp at Massillon before leaving for the seat 
of war are full of interesting and sometimes pathetic scenes. With 
the many gifts from friends we are provided with almost every ar- 
ticle needed for housekeeping which, added to clothing and equip- 
ment provided by the government, packed in knapsacks, then strapped 
upon our backs gives us somewhat the appearance of pack mules as 
we file down the streets of the city to the railroad station. As the 
time for our departure draws near hundreds of friends have assem- 
bled in camp to bid us goodbye. The touching scenes witnessed at 
the parting of sons from fathers, mothers, sisters, the husband from 
wife and children needcio description to the reader. 

The good ladies of Marlboro present to Company "B" a silken fiag 
made by their own hands, for which they are heartily cheered by the 
boys, and the flag accepted with an appropriate speech delivered by 
the captain. As the flag cannot be carried with us it is left in care 
of the ladies who presented it. 

September 2, we are called into line and after listening to a 
speech delivered by Governor Tod in which he very confidently pre- 
dicts an early close to the war, we bid farewell to home and friends 
and march down through the city to the railroad, board the cars and 
after a tiresome and tedious trip of about twenty-four hours arrive 
in Cincinnati. On arriving at this city the regiment forms in line 
and marches to the Ohio river which we cross on pontoon bridges to 
Covington, Kentucky, and find quarters in a large hall. Afternoon 
we cross the bridge over Licking river to Newport, Ky., and through 

22 




Austrian Musket in Action 



Footprints Through Dixie 

this village to a point about three miles distant where we bivouac, 
for we have not yet been provided with tents. (Bivouac for the 
soldier with crackers, coffee and bacon, and a "handout" and "flop" 
for the modern hobo are about one and the same as far as accom- 
modations go.) 

Martial law has been proclaimed in the cities of Cincinnati, Cov- 
ington and Newport and business suspended, all now under control of 
the military with General Lew. Wallace in command. The mayors 
of these cities have issued orders for all able bodied citizens to as- 
semble at convenient places to aid soldiers in defending the state from 
invasion by the enemy, while troops and squirrel hunters are assem- 
bling from all quarters. Saloon keepers who do not wish to be put 
out of business with confiscation of their stock in trade must keep 
closed during the enforcement of military orders. 

This camping ground is called "Camp Rough," the name prob 
ably being suggested by the lay of the surrounding country. Soon 
after arriving in camp we are ordered on picket duty and inform- 
ed that our position will be fronting the enemy lines. This infor- 
mation together with all this excitment while troops are pouring in, 
with the beating of drums and bugle calls, impress us that this is not 
a safe time to do any napping while on duty. When our squad is 
placed on duty I find myself located on a steep hillside, a portion of 
which is used as a cemetery, and instructed to parade back and forth 
from a gate leading into these grounds to a certain tombstone a few 
rods distant, then given instructions in the manner of challenging 
anyone approaching my station. During the night pickets are in- 
structed to challenge intruders at a safe distance by exclaiming, 
"Halt! Who comes there?" If the reply comes; "Friend with the 
countersign," the picket then commands, "Advance, friend, and give 
the countersign," which must be given over the point of the sentinel's 
bayonet, and if correct the person or persons are allowed to pass 
through the lines. Should the intruder be without pass or counter- 
sign he is held by the sentinel and turned over to the corporal and 
taken to headquarters for examination. 

In obedience to orders and instruction the sentinel becomes au- 
tocrat over the station he occupies. To one who fails to respond to 
his challenge to halt, and without further parley or argument he is 
expected to shoot down the intruder regardless of the latter's station 
or rank. Should he find it necessary to do this the sentinel's act will 
be looked upon as evidence of devotion to duty. 

The hours on dut} r for our relief are from six until eight o'clock 
p. m., then from twelve until two o'clock a. m. The first "trick" on 
duty is not an unpleasant experience though it seems to be an ex- 
citing time with the bugle calls, beating of drums and loud commands 
sounding in the hills bordering the river and adjoining camps where 
troops are taking positions on the line. Finally all becomes quiet 
save the croaking of frogs, and occasional distant baying of hounds, 

24 



Footprints Through Dixie 

perhaps on the trail of some fugitive slave. Light of camp fires are 
also seen lighting the hill tops. 

While walking our stations we feel a measure of responsibility 
in holding the enemy at bay and protecting the city of Cincinnati and 
state of Ohio from invasion. At the close of our two hours on duty 
we are relieved by the second relief and march back to the reserve 
where pickets on each relief assemble to rest and sleep during their 
four hours off duty. We now prepare beds by laying rubber ponchos 
on the ground, then with knapsack for pillows and blanket covering 
we lay down for rest and sleep. We are almost asleep when my 
chum jumps up very suddenly and yells out that "some d— thing 
that felt like an icicle ran across his face." I indulge in a hearty 
laugh at his expense but did not mention the fact that his sudden 
outburst had caused a momentary panic for I was sure the enemy was 
upon us. After shaking our bedding we bunk down again and sleep 
until twelve o'clock, then are awakened by the corporal and return 
to our former station relieving the picket who has served out his two 
hours on duty. Now it is dark and quiet and the weird surroundings 
with tombstones on all sides with occasional noises heard outside the 
lines the situation is anything but pleas'ng. A little relief is oc- 
casionally found by stopping at the connecting ends of our stations 
for short chats with neighboring pickets. This is contrary to orders 
but as no one is looking and cannot see us if they are, we indulge in 
these brief social visits which seem to have a bracing effect amid 
these doleful surroundings. Strange noises heard outside the lines 
and thoughts of the enemy creeping upon us disturb our peace of 
mind somewhat. Dread of firing those vicious muskets may have 
saved the lives of cattle or horses that occasionally create a disturb- 
ance in adjoining fields. We talk over the situation, my neighbor 
picket and I, he then informing me that he had been in service be- 
fore and knows I am but a very raw recruit. He then goes on to tell 
me that these Austrian muskets are what is known as repeating guns 
and the repeat is noticed as soon at the gun is fired. Then as soon 
as the operator regains consciousness," he says, "he can repeat the 
operation." Of course. I knew he was "stringing me" but didn't let 
on for he seems to take delight in giving information and always has 
an answer to every question asked and during our hours on duty I 
gather much valuable information concerning the situation of the 
armies now defending and threatening the city. He seems to know 
the exact location of the enemy lines and number of forces and 
has the time set for the great battle that seems near at hand "Unless 
we defeat the enemy" he says, "we will be driven into the Ohio river 
and all who are not killed will be drowned for there is only one nar- 
row pontoon bridge over which we can make our escape." 

He now goes on to tell me about his military experience which 
began at the beginning of the war when at the age of seventeen he 
ran away from home and enlisted. After drilling in the ranks a few 
weeks his mother appeared in camp and secured his release from 

25 



Footprints Through Dixie 

the army. On his way home he was much disturbed over the re- 
ception his dad would give him. He felt that now he was almost 
a full grown man and had been in military service it was unbecoming 
for a soldier to submit to the "lickins" he had been accustomed to 
receive at home. He goes on to inform me that his dad is a combina- 
tion farmer and Baptist preacher who believes that a free use of the 
rod and baptism by immersion are the only means of salvation, add- 
ing that the use of the rod on some one of the boys comes about as 
regular as morning prayer; that this expounder of Holy writ "can 
lick harder and pray louder than any man on his circuit." As soon 
as they reached home he knew by the set of dad's jaw what was com- 
ing, and accepted his invitation to retire to the barn. The boy had 
fully made up his mind to scandalize the family and neighborhood by 
giving his dad a good dressing down, a trimming that would break up 
the governor's rawhiding habit. He believed he was prepared to do 
this job for while in camp the boys had been practicing the art of 
boxing and he prided himself on being quite handy with the "mits." 
"The first time dad wrapped the blacksnake whip about my legs" he 
says, "I landed a stiff uppercut on his jaw that staggered him." 
"Here" he said "is where I made a mistake for dad didn't follow 
Queensberry rules but just cracked me over the head with the butt 
of the blacksnake and then changed ends, roared like a bull and let on 
more steam and until he was winded the noise sounded like several 
men were on that barn floor threshing out oats with flails." "I tell 
you" he added, "that lickin I got was awful but — 

"Halt! Who goes there" is the voice of a sentinel heard far down 
the line. We don't understand this for it isn't time for the next re- 
lief. Some one passing through the lines, perhaps, though we hear 
no reply to the sentinel's challenge. We listen intently, fearing the 
worst. Not another word or movement for some time when my 
neighbor picket ventures to whisper that he does not understand why 
this disturbance. It must be — "Halt! Who goes there," is again 
heard a little plainer than before. We hear no reply to this chal- 
lenge, though we can hear men talking. We faintly hear the steady 
tramp of an approaching army and are busily and quietly discussing 
our perilous situation. My neighbor picket, who is familiar with 
military operations, is now convinced that the rebel army is making 
prisoners of the picket line. "The enemy is slipping upon us," he 
says. We are now silent and panicky, each busy with his own dis- 
tressing thoughts. Only two days from home and a rebel prison now 
staring us in the face. Yes, we would be tempted to sacrifice all the 
patriotism we now possess for a hiding place in the hay mow at home. 
The situation is certainly alarming yet rather than go to prison we 
decide to put up a fight and let the Austrian musket do its worst. 
As well have our heads knocked off with these "repeaters" as be 
sent to prison. A pair of very "raw material" with an attack of 
buck fever fortify themselves at two of the larger tombstones and 
prepare for battle. My neighbor picket now reaches inside his blouse 

26 















r mm 

''•> *>' {(SMS « ■? 



ol- 




4m 



Footprints Through Dixie 

and produced a "pepperbox" revolver he brought from home with him. 
a dangerous looking piece of artillery resembling a car pin, and about 
as heavy. The struggle is now at hand for we hear the tramp of the 
rebel army when : — "Halt ! who goes there" is heard ; another challenge 
from a picket not far distant. Our guns are quickly pointed in the 
direction of this noise when- 

"Officer of the day with the grand rounds," comes the reply to the 
picket's challenge. 

"Advance, officer of the day and give the countersign," the picket 
replies. 

Such a wonderful transformation. We instantly brace up and hur- 
riedly take our stations on the line, bold and fearless. We are in 
such a happy frame of mind we challenge the grand rounds with 
commanding voices and a great show of bravado. 

Grand rounds is a feature in military service we know nothing 
about, but when the officer's reply to the picket's challenge is heard 
we then "caught on" and the grand rounds of ten men more is saved. 
At two o'clock we are relieved and return to the picket reserve to 
bunk down for the remainder of the night or until six o'clock. 

My neighbor picket, who is versed in all rules and customs of 
warfare, had fully made up his mind to show no quarters to these 
rebels if they were sneaking upon us in the way he suspected for 
such methods, he declared, was obtaining prisoners under false pre- 
tense, or words to that effect. He had planned to get as good aim 
on the rebel lines as possible in the darkness hoping to kill a portion 
of the rebel army, then with "pepperbox" in one hand and sword bay- 
onet in the other he expected to "jump in" and exterminate the whole 
bunch. Then he hesitated to hear my plan of battle. But I was 
sleepy and did not care to discuss the matter and did not feel that I 
was called upon to confess that I was more concerned in what the 
enemy and the Austrian musket might do to me. I probably would 
have fired on the enemy and permitted the recoil of the musket to 
land me in a new position out of enemy reach. I passed off to sleep 
before he had completed the annihilation of the enemy, satisfied that 
my neighbor picket had other accomplishments aside from being a 
military strategist. 

Our regiment is relieved from the picket line on the evening of 
September 4 and we return to camp where we remain performing 
picket and camp duties until September 9. Here we remain without 
shelter, but the weather is hot and dry and our sleeping quarters are 
all that can be desired in warm, dry weather although beds are not 
soft as the kind mother makes, but we have abundance of fresh air 
and mosquitoes. 

September 4, while at this camp, David Reichard of Lake 
township is placed on detached service as teamster where he 
serves during his entire term of enlistment and is mustered out 
with the company at the close of the war. 

28 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Richard Mason, ambulance driver, of Marlboro is sent to the 
hospital and returns to the company for duty at Frankfort. k\., 
January 1863. From here he is again sent to the hospital at Lex- 
ington, Ky., from where he is discharged April following, after 
two months service. 

September 5. 1802. Ashur Sandles of Marlboro is placed on 
detached service as teamster where he remains until June 180.5 
when he reported to the company for duty while encamped at Mt. 
Vernon, Ky., February 26. 1864, he is again detached for same ser- 
vice, remaining here until the close of the war after service in the 
ranks of seven months. 



FORT MITCHELL KENTUCKY 



On the afternoon of September 9, 1862 we are ordered in line 
and march to Fort Mitchell, Ky., a distance of about five miles down 
the Lexington pike. On the morning following arrival here, we are 
ordered forward and bivouac in line of battle fronting the enemy 
lines. On the morning of September 11, we are ordered forward on 
the skirmish line and while deploying along a rail fence we are fired 
upon by the enemy who occupies timberland along our front. Firing 
at long range on the skirmish line continues until late in the after- 
noon. 

During this engagement William Taylor of Marlboro re- 
ceives a gunshot wound through his bowels and is carried from the 
field. The surgeon pronounced his wound fatal and gives but lit- 
tle attention to his case, all expecting Taylor would die in a tew 
hours Much to our surprise he survives throughout the day and 
on the following day is sent to the hospital in Cincinnati where 
he finally recovers and is discharged after service ot ten days m 
the ranks. 

in the evening an armistice is agreed upon between our officers 
on the line and officers commanding the rebel skirmishers, to termin- 
ate at nine o'clock on the following morning which was faithfully 
kept by both parties for in the meantime the enemy evacuates his 
line during the night and retreats southward. 

During this skirmish Elias Haines of Marlboro, shot a finger 
from his hand while drawing a load from his gun. After recovery 
he is detailed for dutv with the supply tram where he served until 
December 29, then deserted while we are encamped at Richmond, 
Ky. He afterward enlists in a cavalry regiment and serves until 
discharged from the army. 

In this engagement the regiment loses one man killed and five 
wounded. As before stated the enemy retreat during the night fol- 
lowing this skirmish, falling back along the Lexington pike and is 
followed by our cavalry, bringing in a number of prisoners. 

This is our first experience under fire and coming within ten days 
after leaving home and with a strong force of the enemy in our front 
indications pointed to an early trial of our metal. As the hills front- 
ing the enemy lines are now well covered with union troops with 

29 



Footprints Through Dixie 

thousands of Squirrel Hunters well fortified on the Ohio side of the 
river, the rebel commander seems to abandon his northern raid and 
is heading his forces southward. 

We go into camp at Fort Mitchell and are supplied with Sibley 
tents, a large cone shaped tent affording room for a dozen men or 
more. Here we remain fortifying and drilling untiT the morning of 
September 18, 1862, when we march forward down, the Lexington pike- 
in- the wake of the retreating enemy. 



CAMP SNOW'S POND 



After a two days march, passing through Florence and Chitten- 
den, Ky., we arrive at Walton and go into camp known as "Camp- 
Snow's Pond." Here we pitch tents and settle down to hard drills 
in squads and by companies, and occasionally battallion drill. With 
our camp guard duties and on the picket line with guard mountings 
and dress parades we are surely kept busy during a season of heat 
and drouth. 

While at this camp Monroe Whitmire of Lake township is 
detailed as guard at headquarters, returning to the company for 
duty at Lexington, Ky., October 25 following. Whitmire is slight- 
ly wounded at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864. 
after thirty three months faithful service in the ranks he is dis- 
charged at the close of the war. 

John W. Raber of Lake township is sent to the hospital at 
this camp and discharged from service at the General hospital 
in January, 186J, after two months service with the company. 

Our brigade is now placed under command of one Brigadier Gen- 
eral Judah, a runty officer of the regular army, one who cares about 
as much for the health and comfort of men in the ranks as he would 
for a drove of animals. This martinet has issued orders forbidding 
3oldiers from trespassing on private property, thus shutting us away 
from wells and springs along the highway or near our camps and 
severely punishes soldiers who violate his infamous orders. A mem- 
ber of our company is picked up by a patrol guard for trespassing 
and for this great crime he is placarded on the back with the word 
"thief" and drummed before the regiment to the tune of the "Rogues 
March." 

Fowler and I pick up a few apples from under trees along the 
roadside and for this great crime are yanked up before Judah who 
calls us about everything except nice boys. Of course it is our duty 
to stand and take all this without an opportunity to say a word in 
defense or argue the case for to do this would only invite additional 
trouble. During this interview we take the abuse patiently, mean- 
time sizing up the bombastic "nubbin." We find that if Judah was 
divested of immense shoulder straps, buttons, badges and other dec- 
orations there is but little left except a hooked nose and mass of black 

30 



Footprints Through Dixie 

kinlcy hair, yet he is now a striking reminder of a premium Jersey 
ibull at a county fair. 

Judah has headquarters in a fine old plantation mansion that is 
said to be occupied by a rebel claiming loyalty to the Union, and 
protection for his property. With his fine old whiskey it is said that 
he keeps Judah keyed up to a savage point ready to inflict punish- 
ment upon soldiers for slight or imaginary offense. Boys are threat- 
ening to shoot the tyrant and have laid in secret places to bushwhack 
him but he displays good generalship in movements for his own safe- 
ty. 

While Judah's infamous orders are being issued and enforced 
Colonel Reilly is having considerable trouble in smothering his 
wrath. The limit is finally reached when the colonel in passing down 
the line finds that two of his men have been ordered bucked and 
gagged by the detestable Judah. 

Reilly now roars out an order to the captain of the company to 
which these men belong to release them at once, and on learning by 
whose order this punishment is inflicted he immediately goes on the 
ihunt of Judah. When Reilly becomes maddened clear through he ranks 
everybody. The Irishman soon corners the Jew and the line of cuss 
words he fires at the latter convinces all within hearing of the colonel's 
voice that he is mighty handy in delivery of this line of elocution, 
winding up his tirade with a threat that he will let daylight through 
the Jew's hide if he ever repeats such tyranny in the colonel's regi- 
ment. Reilly carried the map of old Ireland right under the brim of 
his cap, including the galway whiskers. When in anger or deep earn- 
est he has a penetrating voice and piercing eye that strikes terror to 
the object of attack. The burley and brainy son of the Emerald Isle 
with his bushy head and characteristic wabble of the race, now under 
high pressure, seems to have scared all the fight from Judah, so the 
"interview" ends in a war of words and gestures between the Irish- 
man and the Jew. Reilly is probably the only colonel in the Union 
army who can cuss a brigadier general and get away with it, for it 
seems that Judah never entered complaint. 

Kentucky has not seceded from the Union, yet it is thickly 
honeycombed with rebels who demand protection of their property 
and our officers are instructed to forbid trespassing upon private 
property. This order has given Judah an opportunity to exercise his 
tyrannical nature. It seems that both Judah and these disloyal cit- 
izens enjoy seeing soldiers suffer for the want of water during this 
season of drouth. 

Water in the ponds where supply for cooking is obtained is so 
vile that we are obliged to boil and skim it before using for coffee or 
cooking beans and meat. A green scum covers a portion of the pond 
where tadpoles, frogs and wigglers are abundant. We are suffering 
for the want of drinking water and boys are making wild threats 
against the tyrant commanding our brigade. We make quite free to 

31 



Footprints Through Dixie 

violate these orders that drinking water ma}' be had and take our pun- 
ishment when caught. A small spring is finally found in a woods 
about a mile from camp where soldiers are lined up day and night 
awaiting their turn to fill canteens or quench their thirst. 

During our stay here we are kept busy in all the drills known irt 
infantry tactics and during the night are frequently called out by 
panicky cavalry pickets who like the Camp Rough pickets draw on 
their imagination when danger is suspected. On one occasion the en- 
tire brigade is called out at midnight in defense against a few 
calves that awakened and drew the fire from cavalry pickets 
while these calves were frolicking through the brush. We seldom 
fail to give those cavalrymen the call of the calf when they pass by. 

The vile water we are using is now getting in its work. Many 
are becoming afflicted with bowel trouble and typhoid fever and are 
sent to hospitals, myself among the number. The more severe cases 
are sent back to the General Hospital at Cincinnati, while others are 
left at the field hospital and moved along in ambulances as the com- 
mand moves southward. 

October 6, we are gratified to learn that Judah has been removed 
from command and is superseded by General Burbridge who now 
commands our brigade. During my illness with typhoid fever the 
command moves forward to Camp A. J. Smith, remaining here until 
October 12, then onward to Camp Wells. Here it remains until Oc- 
tober 17, then advances to Camp Jones, and remains until October 
20, then forward passing through Georgetown and on to Lexing- 
ton, Ky., where it arrives October 22. During this forward move- 
ment the sick in the overloaded ambulances are suffering and a num- 
ber are dying for want of proper care and treatment. 

Rebel cavalry is operating in our front while watching our move- 
ments as they retreat southward. 

At Camp Wells we are introduced to another pest, a little less 
severe, perhaps, than Judah, but with better staying qualities, the in- 
destructible and prolific grayback. As a stayer his equal cannot be 
found. At night time he marches in battle array over the soldier's 
body drawing sustenance therefrom. The biting frosts of winter or 
torrid heat of southern midsummers disturb him not, and at roll call 
he is ever present for duty. As the rebel army recently occupied this 
camp ground it is believed we have fallen heir to a portion of their 
property. All attempts to keep clear of the new enemy ends in fail- 
ure. Clothing is boiled and treated in many ways, but in a few hours 
they or others are back on the job. 

September 25, 1862, Lieutenant Frank Perdue of Paris town- 
ship is placed on detached service in the Ordnance department. 
He remained in this service until the close of the war and is 
mustered out after twenty days duty with his company. 

October 21, Sergeant Oliver Coates of Marlboro is sent to 
the hospital, returning for duty November 11 following. March 

32 



r 
.- 



' : fc$ ^ 




Footprints Through Dixie 

22, 1863, he is again sent to the hospital where he died April 5 
following, after six months service with his company. 

October 31, Thomas Barnes of Paris township is detailed for 
guard duty at brigade headquarters, returning to the company 
November 17, and is appointed corporal, soon after being appoint- 
ed color guard where he remained until the close of the war and 
is mustered out with the company. 

In spite of rough treatment while moving from camp to camp 
in an ambulance, and neglect on the part of nurses, I am able to 
report for duty November 10. 

The day following our arrival at Lexington we move camp to 
higher ground south of the city. We are now placed under command 
of Colonel Gilbert, who has relieved General Burbridge, the former 
an officer of the regular army, who now commands our brigade con- 
sisting of the Forty-fourth, One Hundredth and One Hundred and 
Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Nineteenth Battery and Tenth Ken- 
tucky Cavalry. Here Gilbert enforces very strict discipline. We are 
now ordered to fall out under arms at morning roll call, fully 
equipped for march or battle should necessity require either move- 
ment. At the close of roll call we are drilled twenty minutes before 
breakfast. This is all. Gilbert can't think of any other punishment 
to inflict until after breakfast. In addition to our other duties we 
are drilled six hours each day with one hour for dinner. This fall- 
ing out at roll call under arms and knapsacks starts groans of pro- 
test among the boys — but not in Gilbert's presence. Occasionally a 
boy or two takes chances on another nap at morning roll call and 
fail to line up with the company. The first offense generally draws a 
little extra duty. If this does not effect a cure the offender is some- 
times permitted to carry a rail or well loaded knapsack for a few 
hours with a guard following along to protect him and see that he 
keeps in motion. Standing on a barrel for a few hours is not a 
favorite way among the boys of paying off the debt because this 
prominent position attracts too much attention and too many remarks 
from passing comrades who frequently call for a speech or a song. 
Continued disobedience sometimes brings a long guardhouse sent- 
ence with hard labor or court-martial with loss of pay. The guard 
house is usually occupied by one or more disobedient boys. 

Each morning a certain number of men are detailed for guard and 
picket duty, usually from two to four from each company. These 
details with a corporal or sergeant report to the adjutant at regi- 
mental headquarters and guard mounting follows. Each detachment 
is then sent to stations assigned. Pickets forming the outer line of 
guards are placed a mile or more from camp. If attack from the 
enemy is expected the pickets are deployed as skirmishers and cover 
the entire grounds surrounding the army, otherwise they are placed 
in squads of four or more on all roads leading to camp. On approach 
of the enemy, pickets are expected to give an alarm and hold the 
enemy in check as long as possible thus enabling the forces to get in 
position to give battle. Camp guards are deployed surrounding the 

34 



Footprints Through Dixie 

camps in the immediate vicinity of the forces, walking a station or 
"heat" of ten rods or more. These camp guards are instructed to 
keep soldiers within range of their quarters unless provided with 
passes, and during the night none are allowed to pass without giving 
the countersign. Guards and pickets serve on duty twenty four 
hours, and each sentinel on duty two hours and off duty four hours. 
At the end of twenty four hours all are relieved by other details and 
return to camp and are excused from duty twelve hours. 

The first death in the company is that of Joseph Holibaugh 
of Marlboro. On the morning of November 28, after coming off 
guard duty he walked to the company cook's quarters and while 
standing there he suddenly and without warning fell forward into 
the fire. He is quickly removed by comrades and the surgeon is 
called, who pronounced his death due to apoplexy. Comrade Holi- 
baugh's body is sent to his home and buried near the village of 
Marlboro. 

At the same time Peter Seacrist, fifer of Marlboro, is sent to 
the hospital where he died December 18, 1862. His body was 
sent to his home and buried at Marlboro. 

November 17, Captain Jesse Coates of Marlboro is discharged 
from service on surgeon's certificate of disability, after three 
months service with his company. 

Lieutenant Perdue, though absent on detached service is now 
commissioned captain of the company and Second Lieutenant South- 
worth is commissioned first lieutenant. These changes bring Or- 
derly Sergeant Nelson in line for promotion when he is commissioned 
second lieutenant. Corporal Henry Vick is then appointed orderly 
sergeant over the heads of several ranking non-commissioned officers. 
This appointment is a surprise to members of the company and is 
believed to be an act of injustice to others among the non-commis- 
sioned staff who are amply fitted to fill the place of orderly sergeant. 

November 15, 1862, Lewis B. Slack of Paris township is sent 
to the hospital, returning to the company for duty December 
27 following. January 30, 1864 he is detailed for guard duty 
at brigade headquarters and returned March 9, following. March 
13 he is again placed on this duty, returning to the company Sep- 
tember 15, while the command is encamped at Decatur, Ga. He 
was mustered out with the company at the close of the war after 
twenty-four months' service. 

At this camp a negro slave, called Andy, deserted his master and 
is adopted by our mess as private quartermaster. He is allowed to 
occupy our tent much to the annoyance of Taggart who disliked 
"niggers" as much as he disliked soldiering, yet our private q. m. 
soon became the most popular man in the mess. The supplies he 
gathered in are obtained at plantations adjoining our camps, usually 
during the dark of the moon. A "stand in" with a camp guard pass- 
es him through the lines at night and often when we awake in the 
morning we find hams, chickens, honey and other delicacies to add 
to our bill of fare. We are very devoted to Andy, and he grows more 
popular every day until an order is issued forbidding slaves within 
the lines; also that all slaves now within our lines must be deliv- 
ered to their masters if called for, or expelled from our camps. This 

35 



Footprints Through Dixie 

order brings protests from officers who have employed these slaves 
as hostlers, cooks, etc. To our mess the idea of falling back on 
plain army rations brings forth lamentations. Even Taggart, who 
persecutes Andy because of the former's rheumatism and his dislike 
of his colored brother, is disheartened. We determine not to be en- 
tirely outflanked by this unpopular order, however, so as soon as 
darkness sets in we load our private quartermaster with a haversack 
of rations and revolver, then point out the North Star as a beacon 
to lead him to liberty, bid him goodbye and good luck. The slave 
was not heard from afterward. 

Our time at this camp is crowded with camp duties and constant 
drill. First comes reveille, then roll call not forgetting the twenty 
minutes before breakfast drill. Then comes sick call to which the 
boys have supplied the words, in part as follows:— "Are you sick- 
sick, are you sick-sick, come and get your quinine or else go and 
drill," etc. 

Then comes guard mounting followed by three hours' drill, fol- 
lowed by dinner and three hours' drill in the afternoon; then dress 
parade, supper and roll call, ending with tattoo and all must become 
quiet. Sunday inspection and religious services. This is the order 
of the day, weather permitting. While resting (?) we clean our 
guns and accoutrements. Discipline severe, but not of the Judah 
type. We are taking orders from an exacting regular army officer. 
Just what we need, perhaps, but we don't see it that way. Ritchey 
is delighted with the discipline and his first steady job and the boys 
call him names in variety. Reilly's wabbly head and pointed repri- 
mands alarm delinquent boys. Delinquent officers, including the 
chaplain, get their's just the same. Reilly is no respecter of persons 
when the pressure is on. Weeding out of the ranks goes on by rea- 
son of sickness and discharge from service of soldiers who are un- 
able to perform duty. Soldiers in the ranks can't resign but a num- 
ber of officers are taking advantage of this privilege. A few soldiers 
to whom the strenuous duties of military service is distasteful resort 
to all manner of schemes to secure discharge or positions on de- 
tached service. Schneid is a type of soldier whose infirmities cannot 
be detected by the examining surgeons. Schneid and the surgeon 
disagree on the surgeon's diagnosis of the former's ailment. The 
surgeon says he has no authority to discharge men afflicted with 
chronic weariness or absolute worthlessness, but thinks this should 
be allowed for the good of the service. Schneid also complains to 
the cook because of the small amount of rations given him. His dai- 
ly complaints of both cook and the surgeon becomes a byword in 
camp. Boys in the company who have attempted to diagnose 
Schneid's malady and have noted his habits and symptoms cannot 
agree. The cook feels quite sure that he has been foundered, while 
Ritchey believes Schneid is afflicted with hog cholera. After the 
first pay day, Schneid deserts the army and is allowed to go in peace 
for a tracer never followed him. 

37 




Schneid answers all dinner and quinine calls 



CHAPTER II. 



RICHMOND, TO MT. VERNON, KY. 



December 10 marching orders are issued and we are on the pike 
a little after midnight heading southward and arrive at Clay's Ferry 
on the Kentucky river and go in camp. We pass Ashland, the Clay 
homestead, now owned by an officer in the rebel army. Here at the 
cross roads we see sale bills posted announcing public sales of ne- 
groes "Likely wenches and desirable field hauds" on easy terms are 
offered to the highest bidder. Other bills with flaming hcadhnes 
offer liberal rewards for arrest and detention of runaway slaves, with 
all ear marks and brands carefully described. At the head of these 
bills are pictures showing the fugitive with bundle swung over his 
shoulder. 



RICHMOND, KENTUCKY 



On the following morning we continue the march to Richmond, 
Kentucky where we camp near the village. During our march over 
the heights bordering the Kentucky river outlines of the Cumberland 
mountains are plainly seen. Our time here is occupied in building- 
fortifications near the field where our forces were defeated last Au- 
gust. Word comes from home that friends are sending us a large 
box of clothing, together with a supply of good eatables for a Christ- 
mas dinner. 

Two new regiments of infantry have been added to our brigade 
and join us on this march from Lexington, the One Hundred and 
Twelfth Illinois and Twelfth Kentucky. 

This cold wintry weather and diseases due to exposure found 
necessary in active military service is thinning out the ranks, sending 
many who are physically unable to meet these conditions to hospi- 
tals. 

On leaving Lexington, John Barnett of Plain township is left 
sick at the hospital returning for duty at Frankfort, Ky.. Janu- 
ary 25, 1863. At Knoxville, Tenn. he served a short time with the 
pioneer corps. With the exception of this short absence he serv- 
ed his entire term of enlistment with the company and is mus- 
tered out at the close of the war after thirty-two months service. 
John is one to whom short rations is a sore trial, for when 
the opportunity is given he fries three or four of the No 1 sized 
hardtacks in sowbelly grease then with the bacon, pan of beans 
and quart of black coffee he makes out a fairly good meal it 
nothing else is handy. John frequently visits the sutler and in- 
vests his thirty-six and two-third cents daily salary in pigs feet 

39 



\Rtns7AR0 




SEEwk §AB& 



Dark Mulatto, weight about 160 lbs., 

height 5 feet, 10 inches. Scars on head and back. 

$25 REWARD. 



Footprints Through Dixit 

as a s.de dish. In spite of all this John lives to "e the end of 
The war and now (1919) is one of the few survivors of the com- 
pany hale aU^^^^^ and apparently as sound as a hound's tooth. 
December 19 Joseph Spangler of Plain township is sent to 
the hospUal from where he is discharged on surgeon's certthcate 
of disability, after three months' service in the ranks. 

John Taggart of Paris township and William Snyder of Marl- 
boro township are sent to the hospital from where they are dis- 
charged January, 1863, after three months service with the com 

^"William Little of Damascus, Ohio, is sent to the hospital at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and discharged after four months service. 

December 29, Abram Hoover of Plain township is sent to 
the hospital return.ng for duty at Mt. Vernon. Ivy. May 1, 1863 
Septembei 28 to.lowfng, he is detailed as nurse at the hosp.ta 
in Knoxville, Tenn., where he died April 3, 1864, atter tigni 
months' service with his company. A»**i\*A 

anuarv 1 1863, John VV. Stevenson of Marlboro is detailed 
as oidedy y at brigade headquarters, returning to the company 
March 28 following. April 4, while encamped at Crab O chard, 
Kv he is sent to the hospital and returns toi duty at Alt. v er 
non Kv June 30 August 15, 18o4 he is again sent to the hospital 
from in "front of Atlanta, returning to the company for duty Sep- 
tenSer 18 follow.ng. After service in the ranks of twenty-seven 
months he is discharged at the close of the war. 

December 24. 1862, David B. Newhouse of Marlboro 1S ap- 
• * a ,.^nnral He s sliehtlv wounded at the Dame oi iv<- 
L°cL Ga May 14. 1864. MarS 18, 1865 he is sent to the hospital 
S Kinston S C, from where he is discharged May 4 following, 
after thirty-one months' service in the ranks. 

While at this camp Surgeon K. G. Thomas and Major L. U. 
Woodworth resign and return to their homes. 
No word received from the box sent from home which should 
have reached us before Christmas. It is said that these boxes fre- 
quently fall into hands of surgeons at hospitals where contents are 
appropriated under pretense of using for the sick and it is quite 
probable our box has been disposed of in this way. much to the de- 
light of surgeons and hospital attendants. 

' December 29, 1862 we received our first pay for three months' 
service, amounting to thirty-three dollars for each man. During the 
night following a number of men desert the regiment and among 
these are five members of Company "B". Under the president s proc- 
lamation issued a few months later, pardoning deserters who return 
to their commands within a certain time, one of these members of 
our company returns and serves faithfully until his death Another 
enlists in a cavalry regiment from where he receives an honorable 
discharge. During three months following these desertions their 
names are called at roll call as usual, when a sergeant responds as 
follows: "Cowardly deserter; deserted Camp Richmond, Ky.. De- 
cember 29, 1862." 

December 30 the bugle sounds "strike tents" and we are soon on 
the pike headed westward arriving at Danville, Ky. on the evening 
of the 31st We notice that boys in other companies are yet enjoy- 
in- some of the delicacies sent in their Christmas boxes. Many are 



41 



Footprints Through Dixie 

provided with warm mittens and gloves and other clothing to make 
them comfortable during this wintry weather. 



FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 



We remain in camp at Danville during a few cold and disagreea- 
ble days then on January 4, 1863 our march is continued to Frankfort, 
Kentucky, where we arrive on the evening of January 7 and camp 
near the city. During our stay here the weather is wintry and con- 
siderable snow falls. Companies "D" and "K" under command of 
Captain Jordan are sent to guard bridges over the Kentucky river 
while the other companies of the regiment are performing provost 
duty in the cit}- with Colonel Reilly as provost marshal. But little 
drilling is done here, our camp and provost duty with snow clad 
camping grounds saving us from much of these tiresome drills. When 
the weather is favorable we have a little target practice with our 
new Enfield rifles for which we were pleased to exchange our vicious 
Austrian muskets. Here for the first and last time whiskey rations 
are issued but these rations are not dangerously large and no harm 
is noticed. 

While at this camp Robert Whitaker of Marlboro is detailed 
as nurse at the hospital in the city, returning to the company for 
duty May 5. following. While encamped at Mt. Vernon, Ky. Au- 
gust 5, he was granted a furlough for fifteen days and returned to 
the company, September 10, at Cumberland Gap, Tenn. August 6, 
1864 he is sent to the hospital from in front of Atlanta, Ga., re- 
turning to the company at Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864. 
He is mustered out with the company at the close of the war 
after twenty four months service in the ranks. 

Secession sentiment in strong in the city where a rebel governor 
was inaugurated but a few weeks ago, but since that time the gover- 
nor and other state officials have moved and the affairs of the com- 
monweath seem to be all balled up, though members of the legis- 
lature seem to be on duty and are closely watched by federal officials. 

February 21, Sergeant Philip Triem of Marlboro is sent to 
hospital at Frankfort, Ky., returning to the company for duty at 
Crab Orchard. Ky., April 9, following. June 24 he is granted a fur- 
lough of fifteen days and returned to the company July 24. Sep- 
tember 8, 1864, at Decatur, Ga., he is appointed orderly sergeant. 
After service with his company of thirty one months he is mus- 
tered out at the close of the war. 

Elias J. Clark of Paris township is left sick at Frankfort, Ky., 
February 21, 1863, returning to the company for duty August 1 
following at Camp "Dick," Ky. September 15, 1863 he is again left 
sick at the hospital in Knoxville, Tenn., where he died January 16, 
1864, after six months service with his company. 

Joseph Minier of Marlboro is left sick at Frankfort, Ky., 
where he died March 9, 1S63, after six months service with his 
company. 

While at this camp Lieutenant Colonel Mariner and Chaplain 

Dallas are discharged from service. This sudden departure is a sub- 

42 



Footprints Through Dixie 

ject of considerable discussion among the soldiers. If anyone re- 
gretted their departure, they did not make it known. 

February 6, 1863, George Haynam of Paris township is detail- 
ed as ambulance driver where he served until June following 
when lie reported to the company for duty. November 30. 1 
he is killed at the battle of Franklin, Turn. During a lull at 
the time of this engagement his brothers Thomas and William 
with the aid of comrades dig a shallow grave for the body from 
where it is taken after the battle of Naehville, Term., and sent to 
New Franklin, Ohio, for burial. 
While encamped near the capital city of Kentucky the legislature 
is in session. A detail of men from the regiment is sent to the state 
house where a few guards are left outside, while the others with bayo- 
nets fixed follow the commander of the squad into the building. When 
the legislative chamber of these lawmakers (or law breakers) is 
entered they do not wait for a motion to adjourn but hurriedly leave 
from all doors, a few being arrested. It is reported that this as- 
sembly was called for the purpose of taking some action toward 
voting the state out of the Union. 

February 2, 1863, Albert Davis of Paris townsh ; p is sent to 
the hospital, returning to the company for duty at Camp "Dick" 
Kentuckv, August 4, following. December 6. \&:3 he is again sent 
to the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., where ho remained until the 
close of the war, having served nine months on duty with the 
company. 



FROM FRANKFORT TO CRAB ORCHARD 



February 21, 1863 we leave Frankfort in light order and after a 
short march we find quarters in a large academy building. Very 
early on the following morning we start out and celebrate Wash- 
ingtin's birthday anniversary by making a march of thirty miles on 
the pike leading to Danville and late in the evening camp near Har- 
rodsburg, Ky. During the day snow was falling and melting as it 
fell, leaving the pike in bad condition for this long trying march. 
When we halt for the night and stack our arms it is found that about 
one fourth of the company had fallen by the wayside. During the 
night these stragglers were dropping into camp, being hauled in wag- 
ons and ambulances. It is noticed at roll call that many of the big 
husky fellows were missing while the young wiry boys from the 
farms answer to their names. The march was a severe test of phys- 
ical endurance made, we are told, to meet a threatened raid by rebel 
cavalry. When a detail for picket is made, it is my misfortune to be 
one of the number. This is tough luck but there is no help for it 
and no one has offered to take my place, though I am generous 
enough to give it up. Footsore and alone in the darkness, four hours 
are spent during this dreary chilling night, almost too tired and foot- 
sore to stand during these hours on duty. An attack from rebel cav- 
alry is looked for and pickets are frequently visited by officers mak- 

43 



Footprints Through Dixie 

ing the rounds to see that all are vigilant in performing their duties'. 
At four o'clock in the morning our squad is relieved -and return to 
the reserve station at a toll gate on the pike. On removing shoes 
and socks my toes are found worn raw at the ends and bleeding andl 
now dried fast to my socks. This trying experience was shared by 
many during this hard march. I have fallen victim to a "dodger," a- 
few of whom; are found in every regiment in the service. They have 
studied the art and in various ways impose their dirties upon others, 
and continue the practice until they either dodge out of the army by 
desertion or dodge into some soft snap where the dodging is easier. 
Details for duty are made irt alphabetical order and by watching the 
run of these details made by the orderly, then by dropping out of 
ranks, feigning sickness, or in other ways the purpose is accom- 
plished. 

The one who "handed it to me" dropped from the ranks a short 
time before we camped at the end of this march. This class of sol- 
diers secure jobs in the rear bummers' brigade, and others unable to 
stand up under hard marches and exposure receive discharges or 
transfer to invalid corps leaving the rough and ready, robust boys. 
to weather out the storms to the finish. 

Early on the morning" of February 23, we are called out in bat- 
tle line expecting an attack from rebel cavalry but the cavalry do not 
come nor did we send for them. We remain in camp here until Feb- 
ruary 26, then march to Danville, Ky., and find quarters in a large 
church building where sufficient room is found to accommodate our 
regiment, remaining until February 28, when an early start is made 
in the direction of Camp Dick where we arrive late in the evening 
and pitch our tents. March 1 we continue on to Lexington and 
find quarters for the regiment in an engine house until the following 
day when we move out and are again "tenting on the old camp 
ground." Here we settle down performing our usual camp duties, 
and drills when the weather permits. 

While at this camp Thomas B. Gaskill of Marlboro is sent to 
the hospital from where he is transferred to the Invalid Corps, 
remaining here until discharged from service, having served with 
the company six months. 

Henry Haag of Marlboro is also sent to the hospital, return- 
ing for duty at Camp Dick August 6, following. August 6, 1864 
he is killed during a charge on the enemy works near Atlanta, 
Ga., after faithful service of twenty months with the company. 

March 22, 1863, at an early hour the bugle calls us in line when 
we march to the railroad, board a freight train and are taken to Nich- 
olasville, Ky. 

On arriving at this village John Jackman of Ironton, Ohio, 
is sent to the hospital, returning to the company for duty August 
6 following. August 17, he is detailed as teamster and returns to 
the company for duty in September, and remains until the close 
of the war having served in the ranks twenty nine months. 

At Nicholasville we leave the railroad train and start out on 
another foot race in an effort to run down rebel cavalry raiders. A 

44 




"He ran because he couldn't fly.' 



Footprints Through Dixie 

forced march is made in the direction of Camp Nelson. Crossing the' 
Kentucky river at this place, we continue on to Danville and camp* 
near the village. 

While on this march, M. M. Southworth, drummer, of Marl- 
boro, is sent to the hospital, returning to the company for duty 
April 8, following, while encamped at Crab Orchard, Kentucky. 
He is again sent to the hospital from Jouesborc, Ga., returning ire 
about one week while the command is encamped at Decatur, Ga. 
He was mustered out at the close of the war, having served with 
the Band over thirty three months. Now one of the survivors of 
the company. 

On arrival at Danville, Ky., William O. SpeTlnran of Marl- 
boro is sent to the hospital and while there is taken prisoner. A 
few days after this he is paroled by the rebel's and sent to Camp 
Chase, and from there is furloughed home to await exchange. 
After exchange he returned to the company, reporting for duty 
while the command is encamped at Stanford. Ky., July 19, 1863. 
August 6, following he is again sent to the hospital from where he 
is transferred to the Invalid Corps, after eight months service 
with the company and four months as paroled prisoner of war. 
Now one of the thirteen survivors. 

At last we have found what we have been looking for, or rather, 
the rebels have found us. On the morning of March Z4, we are 
routed out by firing on the picket line where rebel cavalry has cap- 
tured about twenty-five of our pickets. We are quickly fined up for 
action but the Confeds, don't attack. It seems that after a hurried 
consultation our officers have concluded that inasmuch as the rebels 
have permitted us to chase them over the state during the past three 
months it will be an act of kindness to extend a like courtesy, and a 
hasty retreat is ordered. Every encouragement is given by the rebels 
to quicken this movement for they crowd our rear keeping our lines 
well closed up, so close, in fact that on several occasions we are 
wheeled into line of battle with guns capped and bayoneted expect- 
ing a charge by the enemy. It seems that the "Johnnies" are not as 
anxious to capture us as they are to capture our bacon (wagon train) 
for they only skirmish about our flanks and rear. We break our 
record as pedestrians until Camp Nelson is reached, when the enemy 
gives up the chase while we pass into our fortifications and save 
our bacon. But few of the pickets fronting the enemy line escape 
capture. One who escapes thus gives his experience in getting away: 
He is a firm believer in the claim that a good run is better than a bad 
stand, and in order that the run might be a good one, an early start 
is decided upon. He sends in a shot, at long range, on the charging 
rebel cavalry and "lit" out for the command. He believes he is keep- 
ing ahead of any bullets coming his way until a spent ball lands a 
stinging blow near his cartridge box. "From that time," he says, 
"I had no recollection whatever of touching the ground until I reach- 
ed the regiment." Members of Company "B" captured at this time 
are Jacob Acker, Thomas Adams, and William H. Barker. A, few 
days after capture these boys are paroled by the rebels and return 
to the regiment, then are sent to Camp Cha9e, Ohio, to await ex- 

46 



Footprints Tnrough TJixie 



change. From here they are furloughed to their homes until ex- 
change is made 

Jacob Acker of Lake township, after his exchange returned 
to the company for duty at Camp Nelson, Ky. August 1, 1863, and 
served until the close of the war. No record is made showing 
^hat he ever was absent by reason of sickness. At this time (1919) 
he is living at his old home in Greentown, and this eighteen year 
old boy of that time, now surrounded by three generations of 
"children, is as jolly and generous as ever while performing the 
duties of one of the town dads. 

Thomas R. Adams of Salem, Ohie, after his exchange is de- 
tailed as clerk at Columbus, Ohio, where he remains until April 
10, 1864, reporting to the company for duty at Cleveland, Tenn. 
lie is again detailed as clerk at headquarters where he remains 
until the close of the war, having served with the company seven 
■months and four months as paroled prisoner. 

William Jl. Barker, of Marlboro returns to the company for 
■duty July 4, 1863, at Stanford, Ky. He is on detached service sev- 
eral months after enlistment not being able to perform duty in 
the ranks. An overgrown seventeen year old boy. he is sorely 
afflicted with the prevailing camp disease yet makes no effort to 
secure a discharge and serves in the ranks whenever able to per- 
form duty. After -service with the compafcy of sixteen months, 
and four months as paroled prisoner he is mustered out at the 
close of the war. 

March 26, 1863, Adam Zentz of Marlboro is sent te the hospi- 
tal. He is afterward transferred to the Invalid Corps where he 
remains until the close of the war, after seven months service 
with the compar^. 

John Markel of Paris township is discharged from service 
on surgeon's certificate of disability after twa months' service 
with the company. He is discharged April 9, 1863, at Lancaster. 
Kentucky. 

April 5, 1863 Owen Stackhouse of Paris township is appointed 
sergeant. March 17, 1864 he is sent north, while encamped at 
Knoxville, Tenn., on detached service, returning to the company 
for duty at Cartersville, Ga., May 22 following. August 1864 he 
is sent to the hospital from where he returns to duty in a few 
days. He is slightly wounded at the battle of Franklin, Tenn. 
November 30, 1864, and is mustered out with the company at the 
close of the war after thirty-one months' service. 

While at this camp we receive two months' pay and, as usual, a 
generous portion of this is turned over to the sutler. This sutler is 
a friendly merchant who extends credit to the boys. By getting an 
order from company officers we present these orders to the sutler 
for which he issues checks. An arrangement between the sutler and 
paymaster saves us the annoyance of handling payments due except 
the balance, if any, left after taking out his share. He is generous 
and kindhearted in extending credit for he is dead sure of his pay 
and no one kicks on prices. He keeps careful track of all checks issued 
and promptly informs us when we have reached the limit of our 
credit. Sometimes rebel raiders put him out of business but he 
stocks up again and keeps right on doing business — and the boys. 
With a salary of about thirty-seven cents per day it is an easy mat- 
ter for a number of the boys to turn over all their earnings to the 
sutler. He keeps a supply of almost everything a soldier needs and 

47 



Footprints Through Dixie 

considerable that he doesn't need. Among his canned goods we oc- 
casionally find canned fruit preserved in brandy, instead of syrup. 
A soldier gets a can of this preserved fruit, then he gets drunk. He 
also gets a guard house sentence with hard labor attachment and the 
sutler gets a "hearing" from Reilly that the former will not soon 
forget. 

During our stay here we lose no time on the drill grounds and 
but little grass can grow in the vicinity of our camp. We make one 
more move to fresh grounds where camp is cleaned up and are kept 
right on the job of wearing out shoe soles until the sixth of April 
when the bugle sounds "Strike tents." It doesn't take long to break 
up housekeeping and load ourselves with household effects, so we 
are soon in line headed southward, continuing our march until Crab 
Orchard, Ky. is reached, where we camp near a small stream and re- 
pair a bridge the rebels have partly destroyed. 



CRAB ORCHARD, KENTUCKY 



It now appears that the order of military operations has changed 
and for a time it will be our privilege to act as rear guard for the 
enemy. After repairing the bridge we move up nearer the village, 
remaining here until April 18, then move forward again and reach 
Mt. Vernon, Ky., in the afternoon and camp in a brier patch. 



48 



CHAPTER III. 



MT. VERNON, KY., TO KNOXVILLE, TENN. 



These grounds are cleared up and make a fine camping grounds 
where drill service continues. Here we receive orders to turn over our 
Sibley tents and receive in exchange Wedge tents, sometimes known 
as "pup" tents. These tents consist of two pieces of heavy drilling a 
little over one yard square, one piece to each man. Two of the pieces 
can be buttoned together, then with upright forks and ridge pole 
the tent is staked down. We now drop down upon all fours and 
move into a small and well ventilated sleeping apartment with en- 
trance front and rear. To provide frames for these sleeping apart- 
ments we depend on getting these at camping grounds. In time of 
fair weather and our stay but temporary we use these tents with 
blankets and ponchos as bedding and sleep without other shelter. 
In this situation we are sometimes caught in rain storms at night 
that arouse the boys when some erect their tents by using the bay- 
oneted musket as upright stakes and fix up their tents in a variety 
of ways to afford shelter. Others wrap their ponchos about them and 
sleep while rains beat upon them, or, perhaps sit about the camp fires 
and sing "Home, Sweet Home," or "I want to be a soldier," etc., while 
Ritchey is saying hard things about the fellow who borrowed his 
umbrella. 

While at this camp Oliver Denious of Lake township is de- 
tailed as bugler at brigade headquarters where he remains until 
the close of the war, having served in the ranks with the company 
eight months. 

April 23, Company's "K" and "B" under command of Captain Jor- 
dan are sent out on the hunt of bushwhackers who infest the foothills 
and mountains of southern Kentucky. At the close of the first day 
we reach Wildcat, a hamlet now almost deserted by its former in- 
habitants. Here we camp until April 25, in the meantime divide up 
in squads and scour the hills and valleys in this benighted region, the 
haunt of bushwhackers and outlaws who are hidden in caves and on 
the hills watching for straggling soldiers and loyal citizens who fall 
victims to these bands. These hills, caves and other hiding places 
are familiar to these bands and it is a difficult matter to find them. 
From some hill top they probably watch and locate us with better 
success, and by watching our movements easily evade discovery. 

49 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Failing to get trace of these men we return and reach the regiment 
on April 29. 

During this time Colonel Gilbert never becomes lax in enforcing 
strict discipline. Sundays are set apart for inspection, and religious 
service in the afternoon. On these inspections all are expected to be 
present with clean hands and face and present, as far as conditions 
warrant, a tidy appearance. Even Joe and George always make it a 
rule to wash their faces and hands before Sunday inspection. Unless 
they are caught in a rain storm, water seldom gets as far back as their 
ears and neck. Our ammunition and muskets are inspected by a white 
gloved exacting inspecting officers, who with considerable vim seizes 
our muskets, examines the locks, sounds the barrel with a rammer to 
see the gun is clean inside and then hands the musket back with 
considerable more vigor than when he seized it. The inspector now 
passes up the rear of the line, opening cartridge boxes to see that 
ammunition is there and in good order. Brass U. S. plates and buck- 
les, guns, rammers and bayonets are expected to be clear of rust, and 
shining. The inspector then passes down the line giving a hasty 
glance at knapsacks now opened and lying on the ground before us. 
When through, if the inspector does- not find his gloves reasonably 
clean there is some back talk coming, and this always travels in the 
direction of the man in the ranks. The fact that a duty is neglected 
is sufficient. The whys and wherefores are not allowed unless called 
for. Seely takes a chance on an answer tinged with impertinence and 
escapes punishment. Seely is averse to carrying heavy knapsacks. 
The weather is warm and but little bedding and clothing is needed. 
He can sleep while hanging over a stump or rail fence. His clothing 
and household goods are discarded beyond the limit. As the inspect- 
or passes along the line he halts suddenly in front of Seely's lank 
knapsack. Then the inspector looks at Seely and again at the knap- 
sack. Then again looking at Seely very severely the inspector in- 
quires, "What have you in that knapsack?" "Von teck of carts and 
von tirty shirt" replies Seely. The inspector's attempt to suppress 
a smile is a failure as he passes on down the line. Seely escapes 
punishment occasionally because of his aptness in making amusing 
replies and because of his childlike look of innocence when accused 
of neglecting duties. His flash of wit probably saved him this time 
but I could think of nothing along that line to save me from a guard 
house sentence for appearing on inspection with twenty rounds of 
ammunition instead of forty as required. 

During our long and tiresome drills twenty rounds of ammuni- 
tion is removed from the lower chamber of my cartridge box, thus 
reducing the weight of the box somewhat. These are left in my tent 
during drill hours ready to replace in case of emergency, but I wasn't 
prepared to meet this emergency. 

I neglected to replace this ammunition when called out for in- 
spection and while the inspector examines my cartridge box I felt 
impressed that something undesirable would be coming my way. 

50 



Footprints Through Dixie 

The inspector's call for an explanation comes so suddenly that no 
answer but the truth is available so the case is lost. Disarmed, dis- 
honored and accompanied by a guard, quarters is found in the guard 
house and the fighting strength of the army is impaired and its dis- 
cipline improved and for three days thereafter the colonel and my- 
self are the only men in the regiment who enjoy the distinction of 
being under the protection of guards walking a beat in front of our 
tents. But the sting to this punishment becomes less painful when it 
is found that these offending prisoners are relieved from all duty. 
No drilling or guard disturbs the culprit and rations are issued as 
usual; neither is his rest disturbed by bugle calls unless the army 
moves. At night the prisoner sometimes hears the pattering rain on 
the tent and his sympathies go out to his guard and protector who 
is facing the storm. Of course, boys passing the guard house tent 
sometimes say things that irritate these suffering (?) prisoners, yet 
they enjoy this period of rest and playing seven-up with the guards 
between their "tricks" on duty. But one thing that disturbs his peace 
of mind when nearing the close of sentence is the parting words deliv- 
ered by Reilly whose penetrating voice leaves a lasting impression. 
This humilliation is about the only punishment inflicted for offenses 
of this kind, though sometimes offenders find recreation in picking 
stones and cleaning up camp grounds accompanied by a guard to see 
that his prisoner does not overwork himself. 

June 6, Wilbur F. Kurtz of Paris township is appointed cor- 
poral. March 24, 1864, he is sent to the hospital where he remains 
until August 15 following. After service in the ranks of twenty 
nine months he is mustered out with the company at the close of 
the war. 

A few days after this inspection we move east of the village of 
Mount Vernon near a small stream of water where we clean up a 
new camp and build bunks about one foot above ground and use our 
tents for covering. While here I become ill and report to the doc- 
tor who examines tongue and pulse, then passes out a few quinine 
powders when I return to quarters. While sitting on the bunk on 
the following day a sensation of something or some things creeping 
along my backbone is noticed. This being so unusual (?) my shirt 
is removed when bunkmate immediately diagnosed my malady as 
measles which are now coming out. To make sure he is not mis- 
taking other eruptions as measles the surgeon is called, who con- 
firms bunkmate's statement. After a few days under the doctor's 
care, duty in the ranks is resumed. There's nothing like quinine to 
drive out measles. 

The weather is hot and water in the little stream is warm and 
stale, and many are afflicted with bowel troubles and fever. June 
1, 1863, Joseph Johnson of Marlboro township is taken to the hos- 
pital tent with typhoid fever where he died on June 8. During 
our visits at the hospital it is seen that he is neglected by nurses 
who are more interested in idling around and reading novels than 
caring for the sick left in their care. Comrade Johnson's lips and 
mouth are parched with fever and his nostrils coated with blood 
left to draw flies he is unable to drive away. He tries to talk 

51 



Footprints Through Dixie 

with visiting comrades but is unable to articulate words plain 
enough to be understood. His appealing look tells of suffering 
and neglect he fully realizes. To enter complaint by comrades 
for this treatment and neglect on the part of nurses is only to 
invite trouble to one who attempts to interfere. Comrade John- 
son gave his country ten months honest, faithful service, during 
the time he was permitted to remain with us. His body was 
buried with the honors of war near our camping grounds from 
where it was afterward removed and sent to the home of his 
parents and buried in the Marlboro cemetery. 

Thus it is too often the case that worthless soldiers in the ranks 
are detailed as nurses at hospitals where they become more than 
worthless nurses because of their laziness, indifference and neglect 
of sick placed under their charge. At Lexington, the writer while in 
hospital and delirious with fever was found crawling on hands and 
knees near the guard lines and returned to the hospital tent by a 
guard, where the nurse was found asleep, he supposed to be caring 
for a number of patients occupying the hospital tent. 

On the night of August 8, I am on guard duty and stationed at the 
hospital where my lonely vigil of four hours is passed near where 
the body of my late comrade rests in its plain pine coffin, and where 
the moans and cries of suffering comrades are heard coming from 
hospital tents nearby. 

With a Mother Bickerdyke located in every hospital tent thous- 
ands of lives might be saved. Mother is a terror to worthless doc- 
tors, hospital stewards, nurses and hangers on. Her hands never 
become entangled in red tape. She never fears or sizes up a man by 
the shoulder straps he wears and is always ready with an argument 
in defense of the man who carries a musket. Even Sherman admit- 
ted that Mother Bickerdyke ranked him. In this way the general rid 
himself of complaining surgeons who sought to have her removed. 
She watched these surgeons and nurses so closely that they can not 
always get away with delicacies sent by Soldiers Aid societies for 
sick and wounded soldiers. 

May 20, a detail is made from our regiment to man company "D" 
First Ohio artillery, William H. Kahler and George Stratton of our 
company being detailed for this service and remain on this duty until 
July 16 following, when they report to the company while encamped 
at Stanford, Ky. 

William H. Kahler of Marlboro was one of the five boys who 
was absent without leave after the company left Bellaire during 
the winter of '64 and '65. He returned to the company for duty 
at Wilmington, N. C, March 1, after an absence of about one 
month. He was mustered out with the company at Greensboro, 
N. C., after service of 33 months. 

George Stratton of Franklin Square, Ohio, served with the 
command twenty six months and eight months on detached ser- 
vice and in the hospital. He was mustered out with the company 
when the war closed. 

While at this camp a Cornet Band is organized by the officers of 

the regiment who purchase instruments and employ a leader to 

52 



Footprints Through Dixie 

instruct members of the band, who are selected from the ranks of 
the regiment. 

Reverend Buell Whitney, a private of company "I" receives a 
commission as chaplain of the regiment and faithfully performs the 
duties of his office throughout his term of service. 

We are kept constantly at work during the hot month of June in 
battalion, company and skirmish drill and the practice of falling out 
at roll call under arms is not neglected. Inspections, guard mount- 
ings and dress parade in addition to these drills are kept going with 
painful regularity. This daily routine of duties is never neglected 
unless storms, marching or movements of rebel raiders demand our 
attention. 

Natives frequently visit our camps offering pies and other eat- 
ables for sale. These delicacies (?) are sometimes bought by wicked 
soldiers with money known as Ohio Bookbindery currency, a very 
good immitation of Ohio State bank bills. Yet the natives do not 
lose much in the deal for this bookbindery currency comes about as 
near being the genuine article as the pies and doughnuts do. The 
shortening seems to have entered the dough the long way and filler 
in the pies is sometimes a mystery, though dried apple and elderberry 
are names, under which they are sold. Apples are dried by stringing the 
quartered fruit on threads, then suspended to decorate walls, ceilings 
and over fire places there to remain through the drying period to 
breed worms and afford resting places for flies. These elastic pies 
are made with both crimped and plain edges, distinguished by boys 
as "pegged and sewed," yet soldiers sometimes eat them and some- 
times they are seen impaled on bayonets as we march along. One of 
these wicked soldiers buys a roasted chicken for which he gives the 
farmer a one dollar bookbindery bill and receives twenty five cents 
change in good money. This deal shocks the conscientious sergeant 
who straightway visits the tent of the offender with exhortations and 
threats of punishment, but the sergeant soon returns to his tent with 
an eased conscience and a portion of the chicken. 

Planters are not altogether satisfied with the kind of protection 
we are giving them for they frequently visit camp with complaints 
against soldiers who are accused of visiting truck patches, chicken 
roosts, etc., also that cows are failing in their flow of milk. Boys 
who have a hankering for chicken cannot be too careful when dis- 
posing of feathers, for a few downy feathers found on Jack's blouse 
leads to conviction and this discovery is made when Jack had almost 
established an alibi. Jack pays the planter, also the penalty of his 
crime with a guard house sentence and is now relieved from all 
other duty and for several days he languishes in the guard house at 
his ease while watching us good boys sweating on the drill ground, 
yet dreading an attack of "prickly heat" that will be administered by 
Reilly at the close of his imprisonment. 

Two boys who are supposed to be protecting property of Ken- 

53 



Footprints Through Dixie 

tucky citizens visit a plantation in the dead of night and carry away a 
hive of bees. While on their way to camp with this precious burden 
the baying of blood hounds is heard coming from the direction of the 
raided plantation. With a sensation of those savage animals tearing 
at their flesh and without time to discuss the situation the bee hive is 
quickly dropped, and as the boys describe it, "but few high places are 
touched between the starting point and camp." But, "the wicked flee 
when no man persueth" for it was found afterwards that these hounds 
were on the trail of other game. 

Slaves have shown us scars left from attacks of these savage an- 
imals, also welts upon their backs, the latter made by the lash applied 
by master or overseer. These slaves are now giving their masters 
considerable trouble for many are watching opportunities to gain 
their freedom. At night while on picket we hear the baying of hounds 
on the trail of fugitive slaves trying to reach the Ohio river where 
they are often captured before reaching the goal. For this offense 
slaves have heretofore been sold to planters in the cotton and cane 
states farther south, separated from their families, chained together in 
gangs and transported down the river there to spend their lives in 
unrequited toil, and ill treatment. 

We who have lived and been educated amid anti-slavery influ- 
ences now more clearly see the evils of human bondage. We meet 
slaves who though uneducated are men of intelligence, yet subject to 
the will of masters who hold the same title to these human beings 
that are held to horses and cattle, a system founded in selfishness 
and continued until it is believed by their owners to be a sacred right. 
These slaves fully realize their condition yet many are devoted to 
masters and mistresses and seem content with their lot and will 
probably remain on the old plantation. 

We have orders to protect property belonging to citizens of the 
state against rebel raiders and when slaves are lost, strayed or stolen 
all citizens as well as soldiers are expected to aid in restoring this 
property to its rightful owner and when found within the Union 
lines are delivered up if called for or expelled from our camps. 

As a further protection many secession families possess both 
Confederate and Union flags which are displayed to passing Union or 
rebel armies as evidence of loyalty as occasion requires. 

Boys do considerable growling because of these orders protect- 
ing property belonging to planters known to be in sympathy with the 
enemy, and property needful to add to the army ration is secretly 
declared "contraband of war." When the loyalty of a planter is in 
doubt soldiers sometimes take the benefit of this, along with other 
things, such as potatoes, apples, poultry, etc. 

Our movements up to the present time have consisted largely of 
foot races. As the enemy we are contending with is mounted on 
horses we seem to be operating at a disadvantage for the rebs com- 
mit depredations and then escape our infantry with ease, while at 

54 



Footprints Through Dixie 

times it is necessary for us to get an early start to escape the enemy 
when on our trail. Camps Dick Robinson and Nelson are fortified 
Tamps used as base of supplies, also our place of refuge whenever the 
enemy's turn comes to "run us in. ' 

We have now been in this camp about five weeks. The constant 
drill and camp duties become monotonous and tiresome Ihe weath- 
er is hot, camping grounds are stale, and water getting low ^ ^ he ^ Ut- 
ile stream, is impure. The grass in the vicinity of the camping 
grounds is tramped to death. We want a change of scenery and get 
ft on June 29, when the bugle sounds "strike tents/' Al joy ully 
respond to the call, fold tents and pack household effects the , form 
in marching order. "Forward, M-a-r-c-h" >s the command and all 
step off to the music of the new band, singing Tramp tramp the 
boys are marching," etc., continuing until evening, then bivouac for 
the night. 

SOMERSET, KENTUCKY 

On the following day we reach Somerset, Ky., and camp about 
one mile from the village. We afterwards move to a new position 
near by and clean up the camping grounds. We have now cleaned up 
a generous portion of Kentucky, removing stones, briers and under- 
brush also top rails from any miles of fences, but are only allowed 
to remove top rails. This is a standing order that is strictly obeyed. 
As Ton as camp grounds are selected we stack arms break ranks, 
unsHng knapsack's and stake down tents. "Chum" take- both canteen, 
and goes on the hunt of water and I go after a top nil or twa A fire 
is soon started when chum returns with canteens filled. Sometimes 
he finds a cow and spring at the same time and now returns with • 
canteen of milk. Chum with others corner the cow, that, he says was 
"a bad actor" Two hold the cow by the horns and nose and one by 
the ail while two do the milking between kicks. When the cow 
t es to back, the boy at the steering oar gives the tail a twist jet 
when milking time is over, he says, "the cow is as dry as a desert 
Lpper is soon over and a ditch is dug around our tents when we he 
down for a rest. Details for guard and picket duty is called by the 
orderly sergeant and we escape. While congratulating ourselves on 
our good luck the second sergeant bawls out "fall in for police duty. 
There is no escape this time so with bundles of brush the entire camp 
is swept and cleared of brush and stones. 

During these movements chasing after and from rebel raiders we 
are allowed to carry arms at will and march at route step. This 
permits us to carry arms in any way desired and to march "long 
without keeping up snug in the ranks. On "PPyoaching village or 
places where a favorable impression of "Yanks" is desired to be left 
"attention" is called when we close up in the ranks and come to right 
shoulder shift then catch step with the tap of the drums or music un- 



55 



Footprints Through Dixie 

til we have passed before both friendly and hostile inhabitants. Af- 
ter we have passed, "route step and arms at will" is resumed. Dur- 
ing our marches most of the boys prefer to take this punishment in 
silence, but we have a few who look upon these route step periods as 
a time set apart to relate past achievements as hunters, rail splitters, 
wood choppers, etc., also to discuss important questions of the day. 
On reaching camp and before breaking ranks the chaplain often ap- 
pears with our mail which is sometimes late in delivery because of 
our constant shifting from point to point over the state. Our let- 
ters are marked "to follow the regiment" and reach us sooner or 
later. 

Today I receive a letter from home with the information that my 
brother belonging to the Thirty Fifth, Iowa, regiment was captured 
in Mississippi, and is now a prisoner on Belle Isle, Va. 

Even this hot July weather does not move the commander's 
heart with pity. Daily duties and drills keep right on just the same. 
Company "B" is located on the left of the regimental line and when a 
"right wheel" of the battalion is ordered it is a game of crack the 
whip for company "B". Other evolutions made with a double quick 
movement gives us all the exercise needed and more than desired. 

Cincinnati papers reach us daily and we get a little time to read 
while the bacon is frying. We are reading about the Morgan raid 
near our homes in Columbiana and Stark counties, O., also that the 
pope of Rome has recognized the southern confederacy and Jeff. Davis 
as its president. This is followed by New York city and Boston draft 
riots lasting three days where hundreds of lives are lost and millions 
of property destroyed, while the marching rioters hurrah for Jeff. 
Davis. Lincoln is denounced as a bloody tyrant and is being crucified 
between croakers and copperheads. Not very comforting news to 
read while we are toiling and sweating to suppress the rebellion. 

Draft is on and the country is in a turmoil. Copperheads are 
organizing lodges of Knights of the Golden Circle to resist the draft, 
threatening revolution in the North with "Fort Fizzle" in Holmes 
county, Ohio as one of the points of rally and resistance. Opposition 
to Lincoln's method of carrying bn the war, and inaction of the army 
of the Potomac is loudly criticised by many newspapers throughout 
the North. 



CAMP NELSON, KY. 



July 29, we again take up our line of march and reach Camp Nel- 
son on the evening of July 30. Tired, hungry and footsore we drop 
down for a short rest before staking down our tents. During this 
march we suffer from the excessive heat, both from the scorching sun 
and hot dusty pikes. At times our hardships are increased by the 
company oracles who seldom become too tired to take these hard- 

56 



Footprints Through Dixie 

•ships seriously. Ritchey will endure punishment in order to add 
torture to others. On this march he expresses the opinion that this 
is good weather on growing crops. Though all seem too tired under 
this withering heat and sun to do aught hut nurse aches and keep in 
the ranks these unfeeling pests break out in an argument, some deny- 
ing, others affirming Ritchey's opinion until groans frequently escape 
the lips of persecuted listeners. 

Two of these boys had been away from home before they entered 
the army, a fact they are determined to impress upon the minds of 
suffering comrades. A number of the bureaus of information spring 
from early German settlers in Stark county. Coming from the farms 
they are hardy, well seasoned boys, whose power of endurance seem 
-almost marvelous. Inured to labor at home where they mauled rails 
and performed other hard work during long days and hunted coon 
at night, they are well equipped to meet conditions found in hard 
military service. They miss mother's good hog and hominy, ham and 
«ggs, etc.. yet uncomplainingly accept what the quartermaster has to 
offer. Seldom answering to the morning sick call they are always 
found ready for duty or an argument. During the time these boys 
have been traveling and a few months in military service they have 
developed into military experts and have gathered much valuable in- 
formation all of which they generously divide as we march along 
or while in camp. 

It seems that when "General" Smitty was about sixteen years of 
age he got into an argument with his dad and got the worst of it, 
then ran way from home. But in a short time he tires of the bumps 
and jars he finds among strangers in strange lands and determines 
to return to his father's house, believing that one good hard "lickin" 
at home was better than facing the cold world. Dad didn't meet him 
on the way with open arms or serve any fatted calf, except a narrow 
strip of the hide and this was served raw. Smitty got but little of 
this however for mother interfered before the boy hardly got a taste 
of it. Smitty's absence from home was crowded with adventures and 
these are passed out to his comrades without provocation. 

"General Fritz," sometimes known as the "dutch yankee," assumes 
an air of superiority that irritates other oracles. Another brigadier 
under a knapsack, one who comes from old fighting stock for his 
grandfather's step brother served under General Jackson. Fritz, too. 
has traveled. He has McGuffey's speller committed to memory, also 
has geography and the multiplication table and all military calls set to 
music with which to entertain us. Not long before enlisting he visit- 
ed an uncle down at Kishoquoquillas, Pa., and is the only boy in the 
company who can spell the name of this place correctly. Fritz remain- 
ed away a week yet, he says, "the dog knew him when he returned 
home." He went the rounds shaking hands with neighbors, who had 
not missed the boy. hut listen patiently while the great traveler un- 
loads the information he has gathered in that far off country. Ritchey 
who has collected fragments of this oft repeated story with its many 

57 



Footprints Through Dixie 

variations ventures the opinion that Fritz's uncle in Pennsylvania 
soon tired of the boy's "running off at the mouth" and turned the dogs- 
loose on him and ended the visitation ahead of schedule time and! 
would do so again if Fritz ever again infested that neighborhood." 
Fritz is mad. Then sergeant interferes and declares the boys out of 
order and all becomes quiet in the ranks. 

These oracles appear to know more than is known at headquarters 
about past and future movements of the army. Wise predictions 
sometimes arouses the envy of other strategists and arguments fol- 
low. Distance between points over which we have traveled, the ob- 
ject of certain movements of the army, the virtue of peach sprouts 
in locating veins of water, the infallibility of the Lancaster almanac 
and signs of the zodiac are among the questions they try to settle. 
Almost daily while on the march these arguments are good for a 
chorus of groans from weary comrades. 

General Buruside now appears and takes command of the forces 
in Kentucky. Rumors are afloat in camp an army is being organized 
to march through the Cumberland mountains to East Tennessee. We 
are delighted to hear of a change and any new adventure will be wel- 
comed. We are tired of footracing over these hot and dusty pikes 
where little seems to be accomplished except to test our power of en- 
durance while drilling, marching and protecting property belonging 
to the enemy as well as friends, against rebel raiders. Kentucky 
scenery does not interest us any more, though this scenery has been 
somewhat changed by the removal of acres of stones, brier patches 
and many miles of rail fences. 



THROUGH THE CUMBERLAND MOUNTAINS 



August 4, we are again on the march and after crossing the Ken- 
tucky river we arrive at "Camp Dick" and pitch our tents. At 
this camp orders are issued that each man be supplied with a new 
suit of clothing, if needed, together with an extra suit and change of 
underclothing, one hundred rounds of ammunition, eight days ra- 
tions and an extra pair of shoes. All this to be added to our supply 
of baggage Uncle Sam now proposes to heap upon our backs to be 
carried on a march of over two hundred miles through the Cumber- 
land mountains to East Tennessee. 

While at this camp William Smith of Marlboro is sent to the 
hospital. January, 1864 he is transferred from the hospital to the 
Invalid Corps where he remains until discharged, after eleven 
months service with his company. 

At the same time George Zentz of Lake township is detached 
to headquarters for blacksmith service where he remains until 
February, 1864 when he returns to the company for duty. He is 
again detached for this service where he remains until the close 
of the war, having served on duty in the ranks fourteen months. 

Drill at this camp continues until August 13. In the meantime 

58 




'Come out from behind that Knapsack, Eli. 
I know you're there" 



Footprints Through Dixie 

further preparations are being made for the march to East Ten- 
nessee. On this date we start ont on the Danville pike and arrive* 
at the village in the evening and are "tenting again on the old camp- 
ground" occupied on a former visit. 



STANFORD, KENTUCKY 

On August \7 our march is continued to Stanford, Ky., where we 
arrive late in the evening and pitch our tents. The march to Stanford 
will not be forgotten by all' who suffered torment from the hot 
blistering sun on our heads and heat radiating from the dusty pike. 
Water is scarce and clouds of dust so heavy at times that one can 
scarcely see his file leader. The loads on our backs now weigh from! 
sixty to eighty pounds and many who are overcome by heat or 
through exhaustion are loaded in ambulances or sent to the hospital 
where a few are reported to have died of sunstroke. The loads we 
are now carrying consists of one Enfield rifle, one hundred rounds of 
ammunition (one ounce bafls), eight days rations, one extra suit of 
clothing with underwear, shoes, tent and blankets and poncho. These 
articles with canteen, frying pan, coffee cans and other equipment 
make up the loads we must "tote" over rough mountainous roads 
through the Cumberlands. Taking a rear view of Eli and Stevie of 
company "I", two seventeen year old boys, but little can be seen ex- 
cept this mass of baggage and the lower portions of their legs. These 
hardy dutiful boys measure five feet from heel to crown and are al- 
ways found on hand at roll call until Steve falls before the enemy at 
Atlanta on the second anniversary of the date of his enlistment. 

While encamped here. David Beltz of Marlboro is detailed as 
teamster and pioneer at brigade headquarters, remaining on this 
detached service until the close of the war, after eleven months 
service in the ranks. 

August 19, 1863 the bugle calls "strike tents" and we are soon in 
line marching southward and shouting "On to Knoxville." Our first 
stop is made at Crab Orchard where we bivouac for the night, con- 
tinuing the march on the following day, with our regiment guarding 
the supply train. After passing through Somerset and Wildcat Moun- 
tains we reach and ford Cumberland river and camp for the night. 
Our brigade is now made up of the Forty Fourth, One Hundredth, 
One Hundred and Third, One Hundred and Fourth and One Hun- 
dred Twelfth Illinois, Sixteenth Kentucky and Eighth Tennessee In- 
fantry, the latter a new regiment of East Tennessee refugees who 
had been driven from homes to Kentucky and organized into loyal 
defenders of the flag, with Colonel Gilbert of the Forty Fourth Ohio 
in command of the brigade. 

July 25, before starting out on this march Benjamin Bixler 
of Lake township was transferred to the engineers battalion 
where he remained until the close of the war. Since November 
1862 he has been detailed as teamster where he remained until this 

60 



Footprints Through Dixie 

transfer was made. He was absent without leave a few weeks,, 
finally reported to the company at Greensboro, N. C, where he 
was mustered out with his command when the war closed after 
service with the company of about two months. 

August 27, Levi Seely of Lake township is detailed as team- 
ster where he remains until July 20, 1864, returning to the com- 
pany for duty at Chattahoochie river, Georgia. He is again de- 
tailed as teamster at Columbia, Tenn., January, 1865 and returned 
for duty February following and was mustered out at the close 
of the war after twenty two months in the ranks. 

While at this camp John F. Heacock of Salem, Ohio, is sent 
to the hospital, returning to the company for duty at Knoxville, 
Tenn., September 13, 1863. May 2, 1865 he was granted a furlough 
while encamped at Raleigh, N. C, returning to the company at 
Greensboro, N. C, June 2. He was mustered out at the close of 
the war after service in the ranks of thirty two months. 

Jonas Haag of Marlboro is sent to the hospital at the same 
time, returning to the company at Knoxville, Tenn., March 1864. 
He was mustered out of service at the close of the war after 
twenty five months service. 

Seldom pitching our tents at the close of a day's march, we pre- 
pare suppers, then with knapsack or cartridge box for pillows and 
rubber poncho or tents for covering we lie down for a night's rest. 
During our march through this broken and mountainous country we 
are often ordered to unsling knapsacks, stack muskets and pass to the 
rear to assist wagons and cannons over these rough roads and steep 
hills. On the evening of August 26, we camp in the mountains and 
are promised a short rest, but this for some reason was not given 
and our march through this wilderness of hills, rocks and under- 
brush is continued to a hamlet on the Tennessee border called Chit- 
wood where we arrive on August 29, too tired and worn to build 
fires until after a short rest when fires are built to prepare supper. 
Now we are to have a short rest, meantime the discovery is made that 
the mules dragging our supply wagons are about exhausted, and a 
number given out entirely. The discovery is also made that soldiers 
are about all able to stand on end. The problem is now solved by 
the quartermaster who issues eight days rations of crackers, coffee, 
sugar, salt, etc to each soldier. The mules are now relieved while we 
have about twenty pounds added to our loads and about the amount 
we had at the beginning of this march. We don't have to help the 
mules and horses over the hard spots now, but the mules are help- 
ing many of the boys who are climbing in wagons when exhausted 
and for a few days we notice an increase in the amount of clothing 
and number of blankets boys are leaving along the roadside. The 
rations are consumed by many in about one half the time the food 
is expected to last, the boys preferring to feast liberally rather than 
be burdened with their loads. Plenty of chinquopins and occasional 
patches of corn are found in the mountains, these helping along. We 
are given a ration of fresh beef each day from cattle that are driven 
along with the army supply train and slaughtered as needed. Com- 
pany cooks are now relieved from duty and each man is supplied 

62 



Footprints Through Dixie 

with a small frying' pan, and coffee can or boiler in which coffee is- 
not only made bul is coarsely ground with the heel of a bayonet. 

On this march we are accompanied by the First Tennessee Caval- 
ry under command of Col. Jim. Brownlow, son of Parson Brownlow. 
This father and son together with many members of this regiment 
have been driven from their homes in East Tennessee. Conscripting 
officers in Confederate service, and bushwhackers forced these men 
to either enter the rebel army or become refugees. The boys are now 
headed in the direction of their homes and little mercy is shown 
scouting rebel soldiers and bushwhackers that fall into their hands. 
They are keep'ng our advance clear of rebel scouts and spies and are 
delighted with the job. Parsort Brownlow who accompanies the regi- 
ment hopes to reach Irs home in Knoxvitle where his family is suf- 
fering at the hands of Condcderates who now occupy that city. 

We continue on through this mountain widern'ess, over rough and 
difficult roads where but few people live and the few male inhabitants 
who are able lo bear arms have gone to war or organized into bush- 
whacking gang.i. The sentiment of Kentuckians and Tennesseeans 
is about equally divided between Union and secession and many are 
now fighting former neighbors and friends. During our march the 
past few days covering about thirty miles we continue to pass oc- 
casional clearings, cabins and small fields with brush fences on moun- 
tain sides and in narrow valleys. At the end of this march we find a 
number of these log cabins and brush enclosed fields where our army 
stop for dinner near a large spr'ng of fine water. Here an aged 
man of the Rip VanWinkle t} r pe accompanied by a number of women 
and two or three generations of children and dogs make their ap- 
pearance. Our army with the beating of drums, calls of the bugle 
and music of the band creates a great stir among the inhabitants, 
who for the first time behold the flag of their country. Though over 
80 years of age the old gentlemen informs us he has never been out 
of the mountains and really did not know there was so many people 
ill all the world. This is surely a hard road to travel yet it is some 
comfort to boys who are complaining with sore feet and stiffened 
joints to find that the oracle's guns have been spiked and but little 
of their punishment is inflicted as we march along. 

Nick's loyalty is sorely tried during this march. He talks like a 
rebel. These hard marches over rough mountain roads with aching 
shoulders and blistered heels, seems to cool his patriotism. Nick is 
one of the light weights in company "B", one whose weight of har- 
ness and cargo strapped upon him, and his slender body are not so 
very far from being evenly balanced. Nick says "If this is the kind 
of country we are fighting for I am in favor of letting the rebs take 
their land and niggers and go to 'ell for I wouldn't give a bit an acre 
for all the land I have seen in the last four days." "For over a year," 
he says, "we have been tramping over hot dusty pikes or through snow 
and mud looking for something no one wants to find, and with the 
exception of two light skirmishes have found nothing to fight but 

64 



Footprints Through Dixie 

graybacks, and in the meantime earning wages of three bits a day 
for the benefit of our sutler." 

September 1, 1863 we again move forward, fording Clinch river 
near Kingston, Tenn., and continue on through Clinch Mountain and 
Powell's Gap soon reaching a fine open country with well improved 
farms and promising crops of grain and fruits, thus ending our march 
through the mountains without serious interruption from the enemy, 
and on September 4 reach Knoxville, Tenn. A few days before our 
arrival the rebel General Buckner with his forces evacuates the city 
retreating eastward toward Virginia. Many loyal people in this por- 
tion of the state have assembled in the city and greet us with joy- 
ful demonstrations and where we see Stars and Stripes floating from 
homes, all denoting that a Union sentiment is strong in the city and 
throughout portions of the state through which we have passed. 
Raising of the union flag over courthouse and other public buildings 
starts another demonstration as the citizens once more see "Old 
Glory" floating to the breeze. 

Here we go into camp and clean up preparing for inspection. On 
September 7, much to our surprise our bugler sounds the assembly 
and we are soon headed in a northerly direction, leaving the band 
with the disabled men and surplus baggage in the city. We are 
now making a flank movement on Cumberland Gap, sixty miles dis- 
tant. We make this march in two and one-half days and on very 
short rations. Following so closely on our march through the moun- 
tains the task is a trying one and boys are wishing for some of the 
rations wasted while passing through these mountains. We again 
ford Clinch river and other streams, marching far into the night, 
stumbling over uneven and stony roads and tired, sore and hungry, 
we finally bivouac near midnight and long for a square meal. Dur- 
ing the forenoon considerable discussion was carried on by our strat- 
egists concerning the purpose of this movement but no agreement is 
reached before exhaustion has stilled their voices. Yonie suffers in 
an argument with Fritz. The former declares it is "like casting 
pearls to swine," to try to hammer any information into Fritz's head. 

On the following morning our march is continued at an early 
hour. Passing through Maynardsville and Tazwell, we arrive at the 
foothills of the mountains and camp about five miles from Cumber- 
land Gap. For the rapidity of this flank movement and its results 
our brigade receive a complimentary telegram from President Lin- 
coln which is read on dress parade. 

Our brigade with Konkle and Shields' batteries make this march, 
with Colonel Gilbert in command of the brigade and General Burn- 
side commanding the forces operating against the Gap. 

On arriving at a point somewhat nearer the Gap on the following 
morning we form in line of battle expecting to attack the enemy ad- 
vanced line of defenses and skirmishers are thrown out who soon 
engage the enemy picket line. 

Cumberland Gap is a narrow roadway leading through the moun- 

65 



Footprints Through Dixie 

tains, a natural and strong fortification. The mountains on each side 
of this passage are about twelve hundred feet high and almost per- 
pendicular in places. Throughout this winding roadway at every bend 
the rebels have planted their artillery in position to sweep our only 
route to meet them and to storm the heights where the force of the 
enemy occupy their main position looks about as difficult as to storm 
the moon. The Gap is defended by a force of over two thousand 
men and sixteen pieces of artillery, under command of General Fra- 
zier, Confederate States Army. 

A demand is made by General Burnside asking surrender of the 
rebel force which is refused by the rebel general. We are now or- 
dered forward and drive the enemy from his first line of works back 
to the fortification in the Gap and on the heights and hold our 
position awaiting orders. Following this, further negotiations are 
going on between the two generals in an effort to agree on terms of 
surrender. The time occupied in coming to an understanding are 
moments of anxiety to us, knowing that an attempt to carry the Gap 
by storm must be attended with great loss of life. We also feci quite 
certain that Burnside will order an assault if the enemy refuses to 
surrender. About four o'clock on the afternoon of September 9, loud 
cheering is heard along the line as the enemy is seen to lower his 
flag and fling a white flag to the breese in token of surrender. It is 
reported that the fort is occupied by North Carolina troops, many 
of whom had been forced into the Confederate service against their 
will and are really loyal union men and when a battle seemed im- 
minent a muntiny broke out in the rebel ranks. 

Before dark the rebel force march down out of the mountain to a 
level plat of ground and stack muskets and our regiment is placed on 
guard over them until the following morning, when we are relieved 
by troops who conduct the prisoners to Camp Nelson. Ky. We now 
march up into the mountains and camp where the three states of 
Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee join. On our way through this 
mountain pass we meet other union troops who have been operating 
on the north side of the gap and are now on their way in the direc- 
tion of Knoxville. 

Among the supplies captured is found a quantity of flour, meal, 
bacon, dutch ovens and frying pans. These are all put to good use 
while we remain and a plentiful supply of rations is prepared for the 
return trip. 

While encamped here Uriah Dennis of Paris township re- 
ports to the company for duty after an absence of fifteen days 
on furlough. June 1864 while advancing on the enemy lines near 
Kenesaw mountain, Ga., he receives a gunshot wound from which 
he died at the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn. Dennis served faith- 
fully in all the engagements with his command up to the time of 
receiving his death wound. 

Filling our haversacks with an ample supply of bacon and "home- 
made" corn dodgers we start on return to Knoxville early on the 
morning of September 11, 1863, entering upon the march in a much 

66 



Footprints Through Dixie 

more jubilant frame of mind than when we started out on this flank 
movement. Our forces have captured about 2.300 prisoners, 16 pieces 
of artillery, seven flags and all the enemy's small arms and best ot 
all. a generous supply of provisions. Our oracles are now hilarious 
and each is striving to tell why the enemy surrendered such, a strong 
position with ample supplies to withstand a long siege. Hi. is the 
loudest talker and gets the floor. Hi. is always loaded with theories 
and opinions and these are delivered freely and forcibly. The argu- 
ment goes on as we march along rejoicing over our victory and es- 
cape from an ugly looking job. meantime patiently listening while 
these hardv boys relieve the pressure crowding their store of knowl- 
edge The safety valve finally drops and all becomes more quiet in 
the ranks, much to the relief of all. save Ritchey. He won't stand 
for this Ritchev is a splinter under the nail of Company B. He 
now inquires of Yonie where the sign was when the demand was 
made for the surrender of Cumberland Gap when Yonie informs us 
that the sign on that day was in the head which caused contention 
in the rebel ranks. To this reply Ritchey inquires why this sign 
did not operate the same way in the union ranks. 

Then up goes the safety valve and another argument is on under 
full steam and everybody "cusses" Ritchey, but he is happy neverthe- 
less Yonie will never break away from traditions and superstitions 
of his ancestors whose wierd pow-wow ceremonies are applied for 
the cure of diseases, removing warts, heading off carbuncles, curing 
heaves in horses, etc., and whose power to do these things is trans- 
mitted from father to son. The old reliable Lancaster almanac is a 
family guide and signs are closely watched when planting crops and 
weaning colts, calves and babies. When Ember days run low it is 
believed that the price of farm products is headed in the same di- 
rection. It was sometimes believed that a democratic administra- 
tion was favorable to the growth of rye and wheat, while a Whig 
administration was believed to be attended with Hessian fly and 
other pests. Yonie has gained prestige in the ranks as a weather 
proohet and never fails to remind us when his weather predictions 
have been fulfilled. Another feature that adds lustre to his prestige 
is the fact that he is the only one among the younger boys who car- 
ries a visible moustache. He carries a small pocket mirror that is 
also visible much of the time. But Yonie can't be persuaded to pow- 
wow an ugly seed wart from Fritz's knuckle. He's not going to stake 
his reputation on so worthless a subject; in fact he would rather add 
a few more warts. 

We reach Tazwell, Tenn., at the close of our first day's march 
and camp for the night. This village, the county seat of Claiborne 
county, has been partly destroyed by the rebels because of the loyalty 
of its citizens to the Union. Our march is continued on the follow- 
in- morning, passing through Maynardsville, county seat of Union 
county, another village that has suffered also because of the loyalty 
of its citizens to the old flag. 

67 



Footprints Through Dixie 

We arrive at Knoxville on the evening of September 13, where 
we are met by the band and escorted through the village to a suitable 
position where we bivouac for the night. On the following morning 
we go into camp east of the city, near the Holston river, afterward 
moving to the west side where we clean up the grounds and go into 
camp. 

September 15, 1863, George Lantz of Plain township is sent 
to the hospital at Knoxville, returning to the company for duty 
after two months absence. He served in the ranks until the close 
of the war and was mustered out after thirty two months service. 



KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 



On September 20, the bugle again calls "strike tents" when in 
light marching order we go to the railroad, board the cars and are 
taken to Henderson station, a village near the eastern border af the 
state. Here we leave the railroad, passing through Jonesboro, and 
march about twenty miles where we find rebel pickets awaiting us. 
The prospects for a fight look promising but after a little skirmish- 
ing the enemy's main force cross a bridge which they burn, then 
retreat into Virginia leaving their pickets to be made prisoners. 
Our work accomplished we turn our faces toward Knoxville with over 
200 prisoners and on reaching the railroad, board the cars for that 
city, arrving at our destination on the morning of September 26. 
Here we march to the city and are placed on provost guard 

September 21, Sergeant Robert Chisholm of Lexington town- 
ship is placed on duty at the city grist mill, returning to the com- 
pany at Plain's Cross Roads December 21 following. June 6, 1864 
he is reduced to the ranks by order of Lieutenant Colonel Stearl. 
August 10 following he is sent to the hospital from where he is 
transferred to the Invalid Corps where he remains until the close 
of the war, having served with the company eighteen months. 

October 1, 1863, Thomas H. B. Correll of Canton township is 
detached for service in the Quartermaster's department from 
where he is discharged March 23, 1864 and receives a commission 
as lieutenant in the First Tennessee Heavy Artillery recruited 
here and made up of former slaves. 

October 20, 1863, Lientenant Nelson of Canton is placed on 
detached service in the Quartermaster's department and remains 
here until the close of the war, after thirteen months service with 
the company. 

While performing these duties in the city we hear of the warm 
political campaign in Ohio between the exiled "martyr" Vallandig- 
ham and John Brough, candidate for governor. This Vallandigham 
has been tried for treason and found guilty then sent through the 
lines to his friends in Dixie from where he makes his escape and is 
now carrying on his campaign among friends in Canada. Here 
he finds support among sympathizing Britishers, rebel conspirators, 
bounty jumpers, and northern men who have taken up a temporary 
residence in Canada to escape draft. On election day our regiment 
is lined up to cast its vote and all vote regardless of age. Boys of 

68 



Footprints Through Dixie 

nineteen and twenty believe they have a better right to vote than the 
copperheads at home have to exercise this privilege. It is found that 
all these votes except four are cast for Brough and the boys are try- 
ing to locate the four rebel voters in the regiment but it can't be done 
and none are brave enough to plead guilty. 

Vallandigham lacks something over one hundred thousand votes 
of being elected governor, the soldier vote having contributed largely 
in cooking the copperhead goose. 

During our service in the city I am detailed for duty on the non- 
commissioned staff and placed in charge of guards at the city grist 
mill, which had been taken possession of to supply flour and meal for 
the army. We remain on this duty until our forces are driven in by 
the Confederates under General Longstreet who is preparing to take 
the city either by assault or siege. We are then sent to guard the 
arsenal located near the city limits. This is a large brick building 
containing machinery and a quantity of condemned arms and ammuni- 
tion including the arms captured at Cumberland Gap. Soon after the 
enemy established lines he sent a detachment of troops who make a 
night raid on this arsenal when our sentinels give an alarm. We 
are quickly up and stirring, apply the match in a number of places 
and see that the fire is well under way, then make a hasty retreat to 
our lines with a number of whistling bullets traveling in the same 
direction that fail to overtake us. The building and contents are 
soon ablaze. Exploding shells and crack of musketry is heard com- 
ing from the buildings for several hours. We are now placed in the 
defenses surrounding the city and the siege of Knoxville is nearly 
complete. A few days after taking our position on the line I am 
sent with a squad of men to guard the citizen's prison containing a 
number of residents who are suspected of giving aid and information 
to the enemy. 

A number of these prisoners have taken an active part in perse- 
cuting Union citizens, among them Parson Brownlow who is a strong 
and active union man and publisher of a paper in the city until rebel 
citizens destroyed his press, and after a term in prison compelled 
him to leave the city and become a refugee within the union lines. 
The parson has now returned and is getting back at a few of his per- 
secutors. He leaves the city again before the beginning of the siege 
but while at home he exposes these traitors who are either imprison- 
ed or sent through the lines to the Confederacy. 

While on this guard duty I become acquainted with one of my 
prisoners, a very friendly sort of a rebel, whom I accompany to his 
home in the city a number of times. His family consists of two daugh- 
ters and a young son. Here I am treated with the hospitality character- 
istic of southern people and provided with good dinners that are now 
greatly appreciated for our rations are growing less as the siege pro- 
gresses. The father has nothing to say concerning the state of na- 
tional affairs, while the girls make free to express their hopes and 

69 



Footprints Through Dixie 

love of the "sacred cause," and seem pleased to find a listener who 
disagrees with them, one on whom they can give vent to their feel- 
ing toward "Lincoln hordes and hirelings" and express their great 
admiration for the great patriot Jeff. Davis and the "flag that bears 
the single star." These arguments are carried on in a friendly way, 
however and I am shown pictures of two "boys in gray" in whom 
the girls are interested and told that these boys are now with the 
forces that have formed a ring about the city expecting to starve us to 
the point of surrender. Yet these kind hearted girls have promised 
to intercede in my behalf when we become prisoners of war, an event 
they are earnestly praying for and believe will occur, either by as- 
sault on our lines or by starvation. 

Shortly before the beginning of the siege Burnside with the 
Ninth army corps, who was trying to hold Longstreet's army in 
check, is slowly driven back by the enemy, and now occupies de- 
fenses about the city, arriving on November 10, 1863. The enemy 
now control all roads leading out of the city, cutting us off from all 
outside communication. The only line heretofore open was by wagon 
road through Cumberland Gap to Kentucky and this line is now clos- 
ed by the rebel General Joe. Wheeler's cavalry. During the three 
weeks of this siege our allowance of food is gradually reduced until 
it reaches a very small portion of salt pork, and soggy bran bread of 
which the crust only can be eaten. I am fortunate in getting an oc- 
casional square meal from the friendly rebel family and fare better 
than the boys on the line or in camp. After our forces are driven 
back to the main lines defending the city the siege continues without 
much action except skirmishing and an occasional shot or shell sent 
in by the enemy's artlliery posted on surrounding hills, until we have 
about reached the point of surrender or cutting our way through the 
enemy lines, when union scouts make their way through the rebel 
lines with the welcome tidings that General Sherman with" the Fourth 
Corps is on the way to our relief. General Longstreet now aware of 
the approach of Sherman determines to carry our defenses by assault. 
Previous to this our men have cut away the timber fronting Ft. 
Sanders, located near the outskirts of the city and from this timber 
sharpened stakes are made and constructed into an abattis placed 
some distance out from the fort. Around these high cut stumps of 
trees are intertwined wires about shin high and running in all direc- 
tions. The ditch fronting this fort is about ten feet deep and the 
embankment from ten to fifteen feet in height. Before day break 
on the morning of November 29„ the enemy advances in three lines 
making a fierce attack when the obstructions in the way throw their 
lines into confusion, yet they continue to advance until the fort is 
reached and attempt is made to scale the walls where many are 
thrown in the ditch and slaughtered by hand grenades thrown among 
them by our troops. At a second assault by the reserve forces the 
entire attacking forces are again repulsed with a loss of over two 
hundred men. The enemy now retire and give up the battle and 

70 



Footprints Through Dixie 

send in a flag of truce asking permission to bury their dead. The flag 
of truce is met by union officers and agreement is made that we de- 
liver the enemy dead at a point between the lines there to be turned 
over to friends for burial. In the afternoon of this date I am sent 
with a squad of ten men to assist in carrying off the rebel dead to 
the point agreed upon. On arriving at the field we find that a num- 
ber of places in the ditch the dead are heaped upon each other and 
others are lying over the field, the wounded having been removed 
and taken to our hospitals. A portion of our squad get down into the 
ditch and stand these stiffened bodies along the side walls of the 
muddy bloodstained ditch where they are taken out and carried to 
enemy soldiers waiting at the appointed place to receive them. A 
few prisoners not seriously wounded are placed in our charge when 
we return to the city. 

Longstreet's failure to take the city by storm and the near ap- 
proach of Sherman's army compels the enemy to abandon the siege 
and retreat is made eastward toward Virginia. Sherman soon arrives 
with a small amount of rations which are increased as soon as his 
supply train reaches the city. Our communications are now open with 
the north by way of Cumberland Gap, our mail is soon delivered and 
the boys get a shower of letters and packages from home. Folks at 
home seem to have kept right on writing, hoping, perhaps, that by 
some means their letters would penetrate the Confederate lines. 
Their anxiety and painful suspense during the siege can only be real- 
ized by those who have sons and brothers suffering and slowly starv- 
ing in rebel prisons. 

I make one more visit with my rebel prisoner to his home but the 
former cordial greeting from the girls is missing. Yes, the girls are 
angry and not the least bit sociable. Their "best fellows" have failed 
to keep their appointment and didn't even send regrets, but instead 
they are "hiking" Virginiaward. I am wise enough not to refer to late 
events along the line for the girls really look dangerous. No fumes 
of the customary dinner is noticed and southern hospitality seems 
to have received a stunning blow. Our visit is brief and an invita- 
tion to come again is omitted on taking our departure. 

Soon after the enemy retreat I am relieved from guard duty at 
the citizens prison and report to the company. Here on the out- 
skirts of the city the regiment has built comfortable log cabins with 
double bunks along the sidewalls and fire places at the ends of these 
cabins to afford heat and for cooking, where boys are baking corn 
pones in the dutch ovens captured at Cumberland Gap. 

On the morning of December 7, our brigade is called out early 
and take up the line of march in the direction of Strawberry Plains, 
a small station on the East Tennessee & Virginia railroad. After 
fording the icy Holston river we arrive at this station and bivouac 
for the night, continuing our march on the following day to Rutledge 
and from this village to Bean station, where we arrive late and go 

71 



Footprints Through Dixie 

into camp. On the morning of December 14, beating of the long 
roll lines us up in double quick time when we march eastward at the 
break of day and in line of battle. Our skirmish line soon meet the 
enemy and a brisk firing is kept up while our main line advance some 
distance, then we exchange muskets for shovels and axes which are 
handled until a light line of defense is built. This work is accom- 
plished in a very short time and on very short rations for the issue 
of rations is now limited and uncertain. 

Before our work is completed the enemy is driving back our 
skirmish line and the boys are coming in over the works at a lively 
gait as we pour in our vollies of cold lead which bring the rebels to 
a sudden halt, they finally retiring from their advanced position. The 
enemy soon rallies forces and makes another attempt to dislodge us 
but our fires seems to be too swift, for the enemy again falls back and 
acts as though not spoiling for a fight The loss in our brigade is 
very light while fifty or more rebs are seen laying over the ground, 
or are being helped and carried from the field. Our skirmishers now 
move forward and take an advanced pos : tion, meanwhile our scouts 
report the enemy receiving reinforcements and changing position on 
our flank. We now change lines facing the enemy and are saluted 
with a number of cannon shots on December 16. In the meantime 
our pickets indulge in frequent spasms of firing. After dark we are 
permitted to build an unusual number of fires along the line. The ob- 
ject in building these fires is easily guessed for we have a scant 
amount of food to cook, and nothing to warm over, except our shiv- 
ering and ill clad bodies. The problem is solved on the following 
morning when the enemy finds that nothing is seen but smoldering 
camp fires for while they are counting these fires during the night our 
brigade is headed in retreat at a lively gait in the direction of Blaine's 
Cross Roads. The rebs are so disgusted at this Yankee trick that 
they refuse to follow. Here we remain until December 27, 1863, then 
move forward and go into camp at Strawberry Plains, the Valley 
Forge of the Civil War. 



STRAWBERRY PLAINS 



The stations named are situated on the East Tennessee & Vir- 
ginia railroad, with Strawberry Plains about fifteen miles northeast 
of Knoxville and at the time of sojourn here but little is found to 
supply the needs of a famishing army. We have no base of supplies 
and no communication with the north except over wagon roads lead- 
ing through Cumberland Gap to Kentucky and are depending almost 
entirely upon the surrounding country for support. While the pat- 
riots of 1776 had good shelter and fuel in abundance, with wild game 
and acorns at Valley Forge, they could, at least, keep warm in their 
cabins. At this camp we have only an abundance of cold river water, 
fresh air and misery, plenty of pine cones, but no acorns. We have 

73 



Footprints Through Dixie 

near zero weather and muslin tents for shelter. Our clothing is ragr- 
ged and threadbare for none has been drawn since leaving Kentucky 
in August and boys are longing for the clothing and blankets thrown*, 
away during the march through the mountains. One rubber blanket 
or poncho and well worn wool blanket for each man with other odds- 
and ends of citizens clothes picked up is about the extent of clothes 
and bedding. A few boys have fragments of overcoats with tails 
more or less burned away while standing around fires. To find a 
measure of comfort we close one end of our pup tents with cedar 
brush and build fires at the opposite end. Our fuel consists of green 
pine wood carried from a considerable distance with which we smoke 
our faces and eyes and warm our famishing bodies during this mem- 
orable cold winter. 

Before our advent into this part of East Tennessee much of the 
surplus supplies have been taken by the enemy. Longstreet's retreat- 
ing army has but recently passed over this territory and cleaned up 
ail the eatables in sight. Many of the citizens who have hidden their 
provisions from raiding soldiers are provided with food for their 
own use, while others in this vicinity are about as poorly provided 
for as ourselves, which leaves poor picking for us. A few of the old 
time grist mills are found along streams emptying into the Holston 
river, which flows near our camping grounds and a number of these 
mills are pressed into service by Quartermasters who call for vol- 
unteers from the ranks to operate them and grind grain occasionally 
found by our forage teams. When this detail for millers is called 
for "Dad" Schooley presents himself. Now when "Dad" enlisted he 
gave his occupation as saddler and harness maker but this is an op- 
portunity he don't want to miss. "Dad" tries not to miss any good 
things that are headed his way; he's not a dodger. During 'Dad's" 
boyhood days he spent considerable time at the old grist mill and 
swimming hole down on Bull Creek, Columbiana county, when his 
mother thought he was in school. "Dad" had noticed that when 
the miller wanted to start the machinery going he raised the flood 
gate and let the water on the wheel and to stop the machinery the 
miller closed the floodgate. "Dad" also noticed that before grinding, 
the miller always emptied the grain in the hopper. This is sufficient 
and he scores enough points as a miller to mislead the Quartermaster 
and secures the job. In the matter of toll to be charged for custom 
work among the natives, this is left to George; the Quartermaster 
just "lets George do it." But his job at the mill does not last long 
for the nearby country is stripped of almost everything in the eatable 
line. All the corn found can be ground with our teeth, or with the 
army grist mill, after it is parched. 

Here the toll habit fastened itself to "Dad". Soon after the close 
of the war he settled down in Alliance, Ohio, and worked this habit 
successfully for about fifty years and now (1919) is one of the few 
survivors of the company and of the business men of a half century 
ago. 

74 



'Footprints Through Dixie 

George Schooley enlisted at Salem, Ohio, and was transferred 
from Company "G" to Company "B" when the regiment was or- 
ganized. August IS, 1864 he was sent to the hospital, returning 
for duty at Nashville, Term., December following. January 1865, 
while the Twenty Third v/as passing through Ohio he with four 
other members of the company left the train at Bellaire, Ohio, 
on leave of absence issued on the "French" plan, and after an ab- 
sence of about thirty days reported to the company for duty. He 
was mustered out of service at the close of the war after twenty 
nine months faithful service in the ranks. 
While we are having this struggle with cold and hunger General 
Grant passes through Strawberry Plains by rail on his way from 
Chattanooga, Tcnn., to the Army of the Potomac in Virginia where 
he will probably partake of the car loads of roast turkey and other 
good eatables sent to that army, for a holiday feast. If there is any 
turkeys within ten miles of Strawberry Plains, the fowls are se- 
curely hidden. At this time it would not be safe for a turkey buzzard 
to appear in camp. Seely declares that his graybacks are actually 
•starving and Ritchey appears at sick call and informs the doctor he 
is afflicted with indigestion. The surgeon takes the hint and sends 
Ritchey to the quartermaster and while loafing around lie swipes an 
ear of the quartermaster's corn. When Ritchey appears in camp a 
■comrade calls him aside and asks the loan of five dollars. Much re- 
lieved Ritchey quickly hands over the money for he suspects this 
comrade is after a portion of his corn. If anyone can cast a ray of 
sunshine amid this gloom, Ritchey can do this as well as inflict pun- 
ishment. He takes a rational view of the situation and blames no one 
•except the enemy who we are after — when they are not after us. 
Everything is lovely with Ritchey, but we are in depths of poverty, 
yet supplied with money which now has but little value as a means 
to supply our needs. A strange and distressing situation for no 
amount of money can add to our comfort. It has not been long since 
we received pay and all, who have not lost money on the chuckluck 
board, are provided with funds. These crisp, new greenbacks are fine 
to look upon as works of art which might be framed and hung upon 
walls if we had walls to hang them on. 

Jake marks a few numbers on a piece of oil cloth and during his 
rambles in adjoining camps he meets a few strangers — and takes them 
in, returning in a few hours with pockets stuffed with greenbacks. 
From each pocket he produces a handful of these fine works of art 
and after being carefully sorted and ironed out he has added about 
eight hundred dollars to his wealth, but he cannot eat the greenbacks 
and would gladly give up a portion of his wealth to any one who 
would produce a Kentucky dried apple pie. At night we are sitting 
by our fires nodding and sleeping until wakened by cold or lie down 
by these fires and by frequent turning pass through a restless night. 
The following written in my diary by Sergeant Triem gives his 
view of the situation at this camp : — 

"Here more suffering was patiently endured than at any other 
place during the war. (prisons excepted) The weather is intensely 

75 



Footprints Through Dixie 

cold, our clothing is poor and scant and the green wood we burn is 
carried a long distance. Then to add to this distress our rations 
are short, and without the corn we sometimes find hidden away by- 
natives we would certainly perish from hunger and cold. Some days 
we draw a few crackers and the next day, perhaps a few quarts of 
corn meal for the company, and at one time a pint of this meal was 
drawn for a day's rations for the company, together with a quarter 
ration of beef. For seven long dreary days while the mercury is 
hovering around zero, our rations were reduced to a quarter ration 
of beef only, and this beef was taken from carcasses of cattle which 
like ourselves are on the verge of starvation. Soldiers are seen 
gathering up waste corn which is washed and then parched. The 
army coffee mill which consists of an ordinary tin cup, with the heel 
of the bayonet as a pulverizer, is used and this cracked, parched corn 
is fried in the scant amount of grease fried from the beef, or served 
as parched corn, plain." 

Mrs. Livermore, in her "Story of the War" says: "No pen can 
depict, no tongue narrate the suffering, hardships and privations of 
our brave men in Tennessee during the winter months of 1863-4. 
Hunger and cold, famine and nakedness were then inseparable com- 
panions. Horses and mules starving by thousands. The reproachful 
whinnying complaints of famishing beasts wrung the hearts of sol- 
diers, who even were slowly dying themselves for lack of food." 

On New Years eve, 1863-4 mercury touched the zero point in East 
Tennessee. The last two hours of the dying year I am on guard at 
regimental headquarters. Before going on duty a few handsful of 
parched corn is deposited in my pants pocket which aid somewhat in 
keeping me warm while the corn lasts. Now, after an interval of fifty 
five years this "living picture on memory's wall" again appears with 
a very distinct recollection of my surroundings on that clear cold 
night. Off at a distance comrades are seen standing around the log 
fires turning first one side and then the other to the warmth and 
smoke. Others are sitting, nodding and napping at small fires front- 
ing their tents. A few are seen winding their way back and forth 
around the hillside carrying or in search of fuel. Thus as a sentinel I 
spent by twentieth New Years eve witnessing the suffering of boys 
who have sacrificed the comforts of homes and exposed to this 
biting, wintry weather. By marching back and forth briskly and 
stamping my feet upon the frozen ground I am able to pass the time 
as comfortably, perhaps as the men in their quarters. My clothing 
consists of a portion of an army blanket tied about my head and 
shoulders. A badly wrecked cap, blouse and shirt in fairly good con- 
dition, with shoes almost soleless, and without gloves or mittens. 
A pair of citizens tight fitting pants burned away to the knees while 
standing about our log fires and the missing portions supplied with 
pieces of rubber blankets tied about my legs and worn until I ac- 
quired the name of "Doc." This is a fair description of the condi- 

76 



Footprints Through Dixie 

lion of other members of the company which now numbers less thars 
thirty men able for duty. 

Joe. appears in camp with an aged rooster under his arm and 
raffles his fowl off at abaut the price of a horse. Joe attends the 
chuckluck parties quite regularly and has probably been dropping his 
money on wrong numbers and needs the cash. Money is plentiful 
with a number of the boys and almost worthless to us now, so- 
there is no trouble in organizing a "club" at his own price. I take a 
chance on the fowl and while no regrets is felt over the loss of 
money, failure to draw the prize is a sore disappointment. Joe is a 
wonderfully successful forager and if there is anything in the eat- 
able line to be found he gets it and seldom strikes a cold trail. 

Discipline under these distressing circumstances is less severe yet 
guard mounting and roll call is never neglected. Boys fall out at 
morning roll call, then quickly get back in their bunks or back up at 
log fires where their time is spent when not on the hunt of fuel, food, 
or on duty. After a restless night and about the time some are in a 
position to enjoy a tittle sleep, perhaps, the reveille call is heard. 
Names of the boys responsible for this added affliction i s Mort. 
Southworth, drummer and Tony Friberger, fifer, but they are not al- 
ways called by these names for nearly every occupant of a tent has 
a different name to hurl at these disturbers of their rest. Mort. and 
Tony are not responsible for the enemies they are making for they 
have a standing order to create this disturbance at a certain hour 
each morning. But this standing order does not protect the boys who 
are caught in the act of adding to our troubles. With the power of 
reasoning frozen and starved we are not in a condition to solve the 
simplest problems. Hungry mules are "making music all the day" as 
well as during the night. They have eaten the wagon boxes, barked 
the trees and eaten all the brush within reach and are dying. The 
beeves from which we draw our daily quarter ration of beef are 
nearing the point of starvation. A few die before their time and 
these carcasses are thrown in the river. 

Steve Jarrett appears in camp with a shin bone of one of these 
slaughtered beeves from which he prepares a delayed Christmas din- 
ner by throwing this bone in the fire to roast for a short time. The 
bone is then taken out and broken and Steve's long bony finger re- 
moves the marrow and a dinner is properly enjoyed, but Steve can't 
eat the bone and reluctantly throws this away. When dinner is over 
Steve has an oily face and one clean finger. 

Stephen Jarrett enlisted from Paris township and during his 
term of service never answered a sick call. With the exception 
of two months on guard duty at the commissary department, he 
served his entire term of entlistment on duty with the company 
and is mustered out at the close of the war. He is one of the 
thirteen survivors at this time, 1919. 

January 1, 1864, having obtained leave of absence for two days, 
accompanied by Orderly Henry Vick, we celebrate the day by going 
out on a foraging expedition. With guns and accoutrements in or- 

78 



'Footprints Through l)ixie 

der we start out early with a determination of finding either food 
or possibly a foot race with bushwhackers. There is nothing like 
hunger to brace up one's courage. After visiting a number of farms 
where people seem to be without means of support we find a rather 
prosperous looking plantation. On making inquiry for something in 
the eatable line the planter informs us that he has nothing to spare, 
in fact he does not answer our questions in a pleasant tone of voice. 
He is anything but sociable and intimates that our presence is not 
desired. We think he is perfectly sincere in this and believe him, but 
are in doubt about the supply of eatables that might be found. We 
offer to pay but perhaps he does not like our kind of money. Then 
he goes on to say "You'ns wanter to be keerful for bushwhackers are 
"round hure 'most every day lookin' for you'ns, who are runnin' round 
outside the Yankee lines." This time we don't believe him, but pass 
on around the house on a tour of investigation and become interested 
in a small log building that looks and smells like a smoke house. 
While trying the door and peeking through cracks in the building, 
Mr. Planter appears and starts an argument. Pointers we have gath- 
ered during the past years from Reilly aid us in meeting this argu- 
ment and when it is ended Mr. Planter "stands without hitching," 
but refuses to unlock the door and says he is going to enter com- 
plaint to the commanding officer. With a maul found at a wood pile 
Vick knocks a hinge from the door and enters the building while 1 
stand guard over our victim. Vick soon appears with a ham and slab 
of bacon and informs this victim that he has left enough jowls and 
bacon he thinks, to last the family until butchering time. Mr. Planter 
now changes his mind about pay, and so have we. but tell him if he 
can prove his loyalty he might be able to collect from the quarter- 
master of the One Hundred and Ninety Seventh Rhode Island regi- 
ment. On leaving the premises we notice the ends of rails sticking 
from a stack of straw and on investigation this is found to be a rail 
pen filled with corn and shaped up to imitate a stack. A sack is found 
in the barn and partly filled. After committing this robbery our jour- 
ney is continued in the direction of camp and we soon reach the rail- 
road where we stop to rest and shell the corn. Toward evening we 
call at a cabin and ask permission to remain over night. We notice 
the woman of the house is frightened and cannot really be blamed for 
we have but little clothing resembling a uniform, only the U. S. plates 
on our belts and cartridge boxes to distinguish us from the many 
bushwackers who have infested the country since the beginning of 
the war. Much of the clothing now worn by Union soldiers encamp- 
ed at Strawberry Plains has been picked up and bought and consists 
of garments of every description regardless of cut or color. The 
woman finally allows us to enter the cabin and we are given seats 
at the old fire place where dutch oven and crane and other old type 
cooking utensils are seen. Her fears are finally quieted when two 
small children who have been in hiding make their appearance. 
While preparing corn bread, bacon and hominy for our suppers the 

79 



Footprints Through Dixie 

woman relates some of the torments suffered by Union people in 
this neighborhood since the beginning of the war. Her husband has 
been driven from home and for a time was secreted in the hills and 
caves, finally working his way through the mountains to Kentucky 
where he with other loyal Kentucky and Tennessee refugees were or- 
ganized into companies and regiments of Union soldiers. The wo- 
man says Union citizens have been shot or hung or forced into the 
rebel army. Others who have escaped have suffered loss of prop- 
erty left behind which was either carried away or burned. She also 
informs us that the man from whom we confiscated the meat and 
corn is a rebel who has aided rebel conscripting officers in locating 
citizens who are suspected of being loyal to the Union, and has a 
son serving in the rebel ranks. We remain over night and to avoid 
surprise from roving bushwhackers we bunk down in front of the 
only door in the cabin and rest undisturbed. We leave early on the 
following morning, first paying the good woman liberally, then follow 
her direction to a grist mill where our corn is soon ground and then 
we push for camp arriving there in good time after traveling about 
twenty miles. Here the boys flock around offering extravagant 
prices for anything in the eatable line. Money is not much of an 
object to either party so we divide up not forgetting to keep a lib- 
eral share for ourselves. But the boys are all hungry. We cannot 
sit down to a full meal of pork and corn dodgers knowing that others 
are suffering from hunger, consequently our supplies are soon gone 
and all enjoy the feast, and together suffer the famine that fol- 
lows. 

On January 4, the regiment is ordered out on scout duty but the 
Colonel reports that the men are unfit for duty of this nature when 
the order is countermanded. Boys are seen sitting in their tents 
mending and patching their clothing. Cast off clothing is picked up 
and used to repair garments that afford poor protection during this 
cold weather. 

The base of my chum's pants has given way and in repairing 
the damage without removing the garment I make the mistake of 
sewing pants and shirt together. When the discovery is made 
my chum is angry and refuses to accept an apology for this mistake 
declaring I did it on purpose and would have sewed the garments to 
his hide had he not found it out in time. 

While encamped here the Forty Fourth Ohio regiment and First 
Ohio artillerymen are re-enlisting and sent home on furlough to re- 
main there until their commands are re-organized. How we envy 
these boys who are now relieved from camp "starvation" as they call 
it. Union refugees who have been secreted in the mountains are 
coming into camp and sent forward to Knoxville and organized into 
loyal Tennessee regiments. January 5, 1864 I am on guard duty at 
headquarters and write a letter home, sending my 1863 diary. 

Longstreet's rebel army has retreated into Virginia and the bat- 

81 



Footprints Through Dixie 

tie of Chattanooga has been fought and won. We hear that rail 
communications will be open with the north as soon as repairs on 
railroads and bridges can be made when supplies will be forwarded 
to that city and from there to Knoxville. Hope, and a little parched 
corn with other odds and ends picked up, now sustain us but does 
not protect the army from the wintry blasts of the memorable cold 
winter of 1863-4. 

January 12, our company is sent out on picket duty, weather 
moderating and snow falling. We return to camp on January 13 and 
find the command under marching orders and everybody happy. On 
January 14 reveille call is sounded at three o'clock and not a kick 
or complaint is heard. We are all anxious to escape the tortures of 
this camp and Tony and Mort. are congratulated as early risers. 
About thirty members of the company are able to line up for a march 
to Knoxville and others unable to march are conveyed in ambulances 
or wagons. No straggling on the line today for we arrive at Knox- 
ville ahead of time and immediately occupy our old quarters in the 
log cabins, a hungry and happy lot of boys. Here we are supplied 
with good, warm clothing and plenty of rations, the first full rations 
and supply of clothing we have drawn since camped in the Cumber- 
land mountains in August. The pile of old hats, caps, shoes and frag- 
ments of other garments on exhibition after the Quartermaster 
opened a number of boxes is a sight that attracts considerable at- 
tention and the graybacks are left to their fate. But like Topsy, 
they "just grow'd" and are soon on duty again. 




82 



KNOXVILLE WHIG AND REBEL VENTILATOR 



Parson Brownlow, a noted resident of the city returns to his 
home and re-establishes his newspaper naming it "The Knoxville 
Whig And Rebel Ventilator," an appropriate name for he proceeds at 
once to ventilate, not only the Confederacy, but also the record of 
disloyal citizens who have persecuted Union people since the begin- 
ning of the war. The parson ranks right along with Reilly when it 
comes to saying things with a stinger in every sentence. The bravery 
of the Brownlow family and their devotion to the union cause is a 
part of the history of the times. Brownlow's fearless daughter who 
flings the Stars and Stripes to the breeze in defiance of passing rebel 
troops will long be remembered by East Tennesseeans who, with this 
family suffered and sacrificed much by reason of their loyalty to the 
Union. 

In resuming publication of his paper Parson Brownlow says in 
his characteristic way: — 

"The Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator will be INDEPEND- 
ENT in all things and neutral in nothing, taking a hand in all the con- 
troversies of the day. It will be an UNCONDITIONAL Union 
Journal, holding up all participants in the rebellion as a choice col- 
lection of men for a Rogues gallery. At the same time it will make 
war upon all gamblers and thieves, both north and south, — those 
whose trade is to rob the public, as well as private pilferers, the 
whiskey bloats, the bullies in elections, oppressors who grind the 
face of the poor, extortioners in trade who swindle by wholesale and 
retail, and all foul-mouthed secession sympathizers and other disturb- 
ers of the peace in the various sink-holes of society." 

The parson is a Methodist preacher, as well as an editor, and a 
whig in politics who believes in the divine right to hold his fellow 
man in bondage and produces, from his view point, strong argument 
in favor of slavery, yet opposes secession and has suffered imprison- 
ment and banishment from his home. Before this banishment from his 
home and destruction of his press he was urged by friends to come 
out on the side of the "sacred cause" to which the Parson replies in 
part as follows : 

"I join the southern democracy? You know not what you say. 
When I do the Pope of Rome will join the Methodist church" When 
you become president of the Republic of Great Britain; when Alex- 
ander of Russia and Napoleon of France are elected members of con- 
gress ; when good men cease to go to heaven or bad men to hell; 
when proof is found that there is no God; I will change my political 
faith and come out on the side of your democracy. Hoping this will 
enable you to fix the period when I will join your brand of democ- 
racy. I have the honor, etc. W. G. Brownlow. 



Again, in reply to threats against his life made by rebel neigh- 
bors this fighting parson says in part : 

"If these god forsaken scoundrels and hell deserving assassins 
want satisfaction out of me for what I have said about them,— and 
it has been no little,— they can find me on the streets every day but 
bunday. I am at all times prepared to give them satisfaction. I take 
back nothing I have said against the corrupt and unprincipled vil- 
lains, but reiterate all, and hurl down their lying threats, their own 
intamous calumnies. 

In replying to a brother minister in the Methodist church, living 
in South Carolina, imploring the Parson to "espouse the cause of 
southern rights," Brownlow replies as follows: 

"It is plain to be seen that the same spirit of disloyalty to the 
Union which prevailed in 1832 is now working in the hearts of Breck- 
enndge unbelievers; and a similar fate awaits them. Nullification 
has been attended with the worst of consequences in all aees In 
the garden of Eden, our first parents were induced by the devil in 
the form of a serpent, to nullify the laws of God; and, believing it 
to be a peaceful remedy they made the dreadful experiment. Cain 
n the case of Abel, nullified the law of God, and he was branded in 
the forehead as a traitor and murderer. The nation of Jews who 
perished in the siege of Jerusalem were all nullifies. So were the re- 

f«l \l™ in c hab ' ta ^ tS °,- Sod °i n ? nd Gom orrah. And the antedeluvians, 
tor their South Carolina politics, encountered the very devil in the 
days of the flood. And had the South Carolina nulliflers gone a little 
further with their scheme of secession, Old Hickory Jackson would 
have drowned them in the harbor of Charleston" 



CHAPTER IV. 



KNOXVILLE, TENN. AND RETURN 



On January 19, we are hurried out on a forced march, crossing 
the river and over the heights a few miles from the city to meet an 
attack from rebel raiders, every man wearing a new overcoat, a 
smile and a clean face. Here we find these raiders have captured 
five of our supply wagons together with teamsters, guards and about 
one hundred head of cattle and got away with them. We remain 
here in camp a few days, from where we plainly see outlines of the 
Great Smoky mountains on the North Carolina border, then return 
to our cabins which have been occupied during our absence by a few 
guards and the band. During our absence the band boys have been 
serenading citizens and enjoying feasts supplied by friendly and loyal 
people of Knoxville. Our band seldom accompany us on these scouts 
and is spared many of the hardships and dangers found in military 
service. 

While out on this reconnoitre Sergeant Raber of Lake town- 
ship is reduced to the ranks for some slight neglect of duty, but 
soon is restored to his former position. With christian fortitude 
Raber endures the many irritating shots inflicted by the boys 
during the few days he serves in the ranks. June 16, 1864 Raber 
is sent to the hospital where he remains two months, returning to 
the company during the seige of Atlanta. After thirty two months 
service with he company he is mustered out at the close of the 
war. Sergeant Raber is past thirty-five years of age and one of 
the few "old men" in the company, faithful in the performance of 
duty. He freely reprimands boys for bad behavior and settles 
their quarrels. He occupies a trying position in his effort to rec- 
oncile military necessity with christian duty. 

January 25, 1864, we are again on patrol duty in the city where I 
buy a new diary at a cost of seventy-five cents, the price of about 
two days' service. (These books are now found in our nickel and 
dime stores.) 

During our stay here loyal Tennesseeans, who have been 
driven from their homes or secreted in mountains and caves, continue 
to return to their homes and enlist in the Union service, forming 
new Tennessee regiments. 

Former slaves are also enlisting in the Union service and twelve 
hundred of these freemen have enlisted here to be formed into the 
First Tennessee Heavy Artillery, and officered by soldiers taken 
from the ranks of northern troops. 

We are enjoying our stay in Knoxville with plenty of rations, 
comfortable clothing and quarters. After our experience at Camp 

83 



Footprints Through Dixie 

"Valley Forge" we are surely in a position to enjoy these comforts 
to the fullest extent. A number of men who succumbed to the priva- 
tions and exposure during that time are now returning for duty, 
though many in our brigade died of pneumonia while others afflicted 
with scurvy are discharged or transferred to the Invalid Corps. 

Rebel sympathizers remaining in the city are keeping very quiet. 
While on this patrol duty we are also performing police duty, and 
find a large majority of the citizens loyal to the union.. These 
citizens fully appreciate the protection we are giving them and are 
very friendly and hospitable. Boys enjoy their acquaintance and 
companionship and the One Hundred and Fourth regiment be- 
comes quite popular with the people. While on this duty we arrested 
two men who are suspected of being spies and turned them over to 
the Provost Marshal. After a short examination these suspects are 
ordered handcuffed and locked up in the city prison for trial or 
further examination. 

February 4, 1864, George Coy, a recruit, of Salem, Ohio, re- 
ports to the company for duty. April 27, following, he is sent to 
the hospital from where he is detailed as ambulance driver and 
returns to the company in September following. After five 
month's service in the ranks he is transferred to the One Hundred 
and Eighty-Third Ohio regiment. 

March 17, 1864, Philip Hoover, of Plain township, is sent to 
the hospital and returns to the company for duty April 18 follow- 
ing. With the exception of this short absence he serves his en- 
tire term in the ranks and is mustered out at the. close of war, 
after thirty-three months' service. 

March 8, 1864, marching orders are issued and we are on the road 
at an early hour on the following morning, leaving a portion of our 
baggage stored in the city which seems to indicate a forced march. 
We are headed in the direction of "Valley Forge," and arrive at this 
land of desolation late in the afternoon where we remain over night 
and retire to our couches on the bare, frozen ground rolled up in 
overcoats and blankets, then pass to peaceful slumber while gazing at 
the starry heavens. 

The bugle calls at the usual early hour on March 10. Then 
orders are sent to Chef Schaffer for quail on toast, hot biscuit, 
pancakes, and maple syrup, ham and eggs, etc. But Schaffer turns 
down these orders, so we are content with plain coffee, hardtack, 
and bacon, then continue the march until a late hour and put up 
at another hotel run on the army plan where all secure quarters on 
the first floor. At 10 o'clock on the following morning we reach 
Mossy Creek, Tenn., and go into camp. 



MOSSY CREEK, TENNESSEE. 



At this camp Simon P. Conrad, of Paris township, is detailed 
for guard duty on the ammunition train where he remains until 
the close of the war, after eighteen months' service with the com- 
pany. 

84 




"Rolled up in Overcoats and Blankets" 
All pass to slumber while viewing the Starry Heavens 



Footprints Through Dixie 

March 13, Nicholas Hurford, of Paris township, is also de- 
tailed for this duty, where he remains until the close of the war, 
after eighteen months' service with the company. 

Nick is missed in the ranks. He has a habit of taking the nega- 
tive side of questions raised by the oracles, thus prolonging these 
arguments. A thorn to the flesh is Nick, forever throwing ice water 
on our hopes of an early close to the war, an event we are hoping 
and longing for and often discuss in our travels. When Nick de- 
veloped into manhood he did a poor job in changing his voice and 
seemed to lose control of it. When under pressure of excitement 
his voice leaves the grade and soars skyward and as quickly de- 
scends to a deep bass when the pressure is relieved. Considerable 
discussion is carried on at times over the meaning of the terms 
under which we enlisted, namely: "Three years or during the war, 
unless sooner discharged." As this is interpreted by Nick it will 
hold us in service indefinitely. "Three years," says Nick, "settles 
that part of it, now don't it?" We can't deny this. "Or during the 
war," he says, "will hold us for forty years if Uncle Sam needs us." 
"Unless sooner discharged," continues Nick, "means that we can be 
kept in service until all are killed or die from old age." While our 
faith in Nick's line of argument is not of the abiding kind, yet this 
kind of talk is enjoyed by none except Ritchey who says he is de- 
lighted with a prospect of a steady job during the remainder of his 
days. Nick, seeing he has the best of the argument now enjoys a 
hearty laugh as his voice flies off the handle and mingles with the 
clouds. We let Nick go without regrets. 

While at this camp our quiet and dutiful Eph. gives us a sur- 
prise by severely upbraiding a neglectful corporal who fails to re- 
spond to a call to duty. Eph. usually has but little to say and this is 
always directly to the point; is slow to wrath, earnest, dutiful, and 
matter of fact. He never engages in our daily arguments and en- 
dures these afflictions without a murmur. But Eph. is a dangerous 
man to "monkey" with when on guard duty. Breachy soldiers wish- 
ing to slip the guards never bother him while walking his "beat." 
With his profound sense of duty he can't be bribed or bullied. Walt, 
his chum, takes a hand in calling down the neglectful corporal and 
indorses every word Eph. says. Walt is provident and carries the 
largest knapsack in the company and seems to be provided with 
rations in times of famine, and can fill and light his pipe while on 
forced march or skirmish line. But these chums who pair off and 
button tents together do not all dwell together in peace. They have 
their domestic troubles and fear of punishment stands in the way of 
frequent scraps. Awkward Jack and his chum fall out today and but 
for Raber's interference a scrap would have followed. While on 
the march and drill, Jack seldom gets his left foot down at the tap 
of the drum and if there is anything in camp that can be upset or 
spilled he is there to do the job. Jack and his chum are about to sit 
down to a nice supper of nicely fried crackers and long strips of 
bacon, all done to a turn, when Jack steps on the frying pan handle 

86 




He Politely Informs bystanding Comrades 
that "Supper is Over" 



Footprints Through Dixie 

and all this fine supper is thrown out in the dirt. Jack's chum now 
jumps up in a rage and with a vigorous kick he sends the can of 
hot coffee down the hill and politely informs bystanders that 
supper is over. Then they square off for action and Raber becomes 
peacemaker. 

On the morning of March 12 our march is continued to Morris- 
town, Tenn., where we go into camp. 



MORRISTOWN, TENNESSEE. 



During our stay at this camp considerable scouting is done and 
during one of these scouts our regiment discovers what we are look- 
ing for, but never anxious to find, and very hastily prepare for 
action by throwing up a line of rifle pits. The enemy attempts to 
drive in our skirmishers but the boys will not drive, hold their 
position and brisk musketry is kept up on our front during the night. 
On the following morning our scouts report that the enemy is at- 
tracting our attention at this point while sending another force to 
get in our rear. After our experience at "Valley Forge" we do not 
care to face a possibility of a like or worse experience in rebel 
prison, so a retreat is ordered, and for a number of miles we march 
in line of battle or with right of company's to the front. A few 
weeks ago the One Hundredth Ohio regiment, while out on a scout, 
was caught in this kind of a trap and after putting up a hard fight 
the regiment cut its way out, yet lost about half its number, killed, 
wounded and captured. 

Weather is disagreeable with a cold, raw wind blowing while we 
make this hurried retreat ending at Mossy Creek, Tenn., late in the 
evening. 



MOSSY CREEK, TENNESSEE. 



On the following morning we go in camp and pitch our tents, 
clean up the grounds and prepare for inspection. In the evening our 
company is sent out on the picket line, taking a position about two 
miles from camp and cautioned to go quietly to our posts and build 
no fires on the line or at the picket reserve. On March 22 snow is 
falling accompanied by a cold, stiff wind. Having left a portion of 
our supplies at Knoxville we feel the need of better protection from 
this blizzard. During the day we are allowed to build small fires for 
cooking and take a little chill from the air. While off duty pickets 
make beds by placing a few flat rails in fence cracks and on these 
inclined rails we lie down with blanket or poncho, and a few inches 
of snow for covering, sleep quite comfortably until time to go on 
duty. This is my birthday and I inform Yonie that anniversaries of 
this important event are usually ushered in with a blizzard. Yonie 




Fireless Picket Reserve in a Blizzard 



Footprints Through Dixie 



sarcastically replies that my birthday anniversaries have nothing 
whatever to do in bringing these storms. He informs me that these 
are equinoxtial storms and are caused by the sun crossing the equator 
at this time, all of which he can prove by the Lancaster almanac. 
Yonie is anything but stingy when it comes to imparting information 
and is always armed to prove his claims. 

March 20, 1864, Wesley Betzenhouser, of Lake township, a 
recruit, reports to the company for duty. February 16, 1865, he 
was left on guard duty at Federal Point, N. C, returning to the 
company February 28, while encamped at Wilmington, N. C. 
After service in the company of thirteen months, and until the 
close of the war, he is transferred to the One Hundred and 
Eighty-Third Ohio regiment. 

On March 23 our company is relieved from picket duty and re- 
turns to camp. During our stay here the custom of daily drills is 
not neglected unless danger of miring in the mud is feared. We have 
been drilled and drilled until it seems there is nothing more to learn 
in infantry drill, and if it is exercise that is needed we are surely 
getting enough of this outside the drill grounds. We don't under- 
stand this and no one ventures to interview the commander on the 
subject. 

The weather is very changeable with mud and rain prevailing 
accompanied by flurries of snow, yet our regular routine of duties 
are observed regardless of weather conditions. When these duties 
are performed, with the quartermaster's consent we are served with 
the usual bill of fare which is seldom changed, and the few variations 
do not pass through the quartermaster's department. After supper 
comes playing seven-up, or letter-writing with bayonet for a candle- 
stick to afford a little light. Much of the time when not on duty 
our time is spent standing around our campfires until tattoo sounds 
when all are expected to roll up in their blankets, curl up in their 
tents and all becomes quiet throughout our camping grounds. 

On camp guard, March 25, and on being relieved from this duty 
we go with the company on the picket line. The weather has mod- 
erated leaving our camp a bed of mire and slush. On March 27 the 
weather becomes foul with rain and wind, ending in a snow storm. 
We are relieved from picket duty by a company from the Sixty- 
Third Indiana regiment then return to camp and receive four months' 
pay, fifty-two dollars, of which I send home thirty dollars. Some- 
time previous to this our pay was increased two dollars a month. 

On the evening of March 30 we receive marching orders and are 
on the road at four o'clock on the following morning, tramping 
through mud and water listening to complaints from dissatisfied 
soldiers who cannot appreciate a good thing when they have it, or 
rather, when it has them. Ritchey says plenty of water can now be 
found without Yonie's peach sprout. Yonie says the position of the 
moon has indicated a wet spring and Fritz replies that they have 
the same moon in Ohio and are complaining of dry weather. An 
argument is now under way and enjoyed by none except Ritchey. 

90 




We have acquired a habit of sleeping any old way. 



Footprints Through Dixie 

During the march we are on the rear guard so one can easily 
imagine what we are wading through after the entire line has 
passed over the road. Many fall out of the ranks today and these 
boys must be prodded along or loaded in ambulances or wagons if 
unable to keep in the ranks with their comrades. After a march of 
about fifteen miles we again camp near Morristown, Tenn., late in 
the evening. 



MORRISTOWN, TENNESSEE. 



Too tired to hunt fuel for fires we eat our crackers and raw 
bacon and either lie down on the wet ground or make spring mat- 
tresses of brush. Later during the night fires are built and boys 
stand around and dry their clothing, while others sit around and 
sleep. We have acquired the habit of sleeping in almost any con- 
venient position. April 1 our march is continued to Bull's Gap, Tenn., 
a distance of about twelve miles, where we camp about four o'clock 
in the afternoon. 



BULL'S GAP, TENN. 



This march is made on the railroad track thus avoiding mud, 
but these track marches are really greater punishment than plodding 
through mud, and we feel that "All Fools' Day" has been fittingly 
observed. 

April 3, ordered to report at Headquarters and given transporta- 
tion to Knoxville and instructed to forward a portion of the supplies 
left at that city when we started out on this scout. 

April 4, Daniel France, of Lake township, is detailed as black- 
smith with the Engineer Corps where he serves until the close 
of the war, after twenty months on duty with the company. 

Returning from Knoxville the company is found guarding com- 
missary stores from where it is relieved on the following day by a 
company of the Sixty-Fifth Illinois regiment. Mud and rain abundant. 
Clear and warmer April seventh and eighth ; then "smiles and tears" 
until April eleventh. On April twelfth storms are on duty again when 
the winds blow and rains descend and beat upon our tabernacles of 
unbleached muslin. No one smiles except Yonie whose reputation 
as a weather prophet is established. On April thirteenth we move 
about two miles and camp above high water mark and fix up our 
quarters. This is done none too soon for storms continue with only 
brief intermission. Yonie is delighted. He has given a knockout 
blow to all who question his knowledge as a weather bureau. His 
moon sign could not have worked better and his faith in the infalli- 
bility of the Lancaster almanac can never be shaken. It ranks the 
Bible six days in the week at the old homestead. Fritz is discom- 

92 



Footprints Through Dixie 

fited yet he says any fool can prophesy rain in April and never 
miss. 

April 22 I am sent with a detachment to conduct a few prison- 
ers to the railroad where they are turned over to other guards to be 
taken to prison. On the following morning reveille calls us out at 
three o'clock when we expect to return to Knoxville, but instead, we 
are ordered to tear up the railroad track which we proceeded at once 
to do. Not only is the track torn up but we burn the bridges as 
far east as Greenville, Tenn. At the close of the first day's work 
we camp at a small station. On the following morning I am awak- 
ened by sound and sensations more distressing than the reveille call. 
During the night some kind of an insect had taken cover in one of 
my ears, some distance in the interior. While the enemy is quiet 
but little pain is felt, but whenever he makes hostile movements the 
pain is distracting. The surgeon is visited and correctly diagnosed 
the case. He pours some kind of a preparation in my ear, with the 
assurance that the suffering will soon be over. For a short time 
after the remedy is applied I feel that perhaps a wrong construction 
has been placed on the doctor's comforting assurance, for both 
victim and "varmint" execute a war dance until the latter suc- 
cumbs. 

Destruction of the railroad and bridges is completed on April 
twenty-six when we return to Bull's Gap and go into camp. Here 
we meet the following recruits who are assigned to our company: 
Thomas H. Bender, Wm. T. Daugherty, Henry Packer, William 
Reifschneider, all of Stark county. On April 27 we board the cars 
in the afternoon and arrive at Knoxville about ten o'clock that 
night. 

On this date William Reifschneider, of Lake township, is 
sent to the hospital from where he is furloughed home. On his 
return to the hospital he remained here on light duty until June 
15, 1865, when he was transferred to the One Hundred and Eighty- 
Third Ohio regiment and afterward transferred to the Two 
Hundred and Twenty-Fourth battallion veteran reserve corps. 

Henry Packer, of Lake township, enlisted January 28, 1864, 
and reported to the company April 26, 1864. This seventeen-year- 
old boy served on duty every day during fourteen months of hard 
service and until the war closed, then transferred to the One 
Hundred and Eighty-Third Ohio regiment where he remained on 
guard duty until the regiment was mustered out of service. Now 
(1919) one of the few survivors. 

Early in April about one hundred rebel deserters appear in 
camp preferring to serve prison life to service in the rebel army. 
Many of these men have been conscripted into rebel service against 
their will and are union in sentiment but to save their lives and 
property they entered the rebel army. 

We now have orders to prepare for a movement and informed 
we will form a junction with troops now concentrating at Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn., to meet Confederate forces under General Johnston 

93 



Footprints Through Dixie 

now occupying northern Georgia, for a summer's campaign in that 
state. 

The good people of Knoxville regret our departure and a move- 
ment is made by the citizens to have the regiment remain on provost 
duty in the city but their efforts are not successful. We are dis- 
appointed, we are loath to leave our comfortable log cabins, clean 
parade and drill grounds where many citizens visit us daily to witness 
our drills and parades and enjoy the music of the band. Our asso- 
ciations with these good people who have suffered persecution during 
the first eighteen months of the war has been so pleasant that it 
seems almost like leaving home when we take our departure. April 
30, 1864, we bid adieu to our many friends in the city and start out on 
the Georgia campaign. 




CHAPTER V. 



KNOXVILLE, TENN., TO CHATTAHOOCHIE RIVER, GA. 



This march to meet other forces now located in the vicinity 
of Chattanooga is kept up with barely time for rest and rations 
until May 3, when we camp near Cleveland, Tennessee, making 
a march of sixty miles in three days. During this march we pass 
through Athens, Louden, Lenoirs, and Charleston, Tenn., fording the 
Holston river in the meantime. 

While encamped at Charleston, Hiram Walker, of Paris town- 
ship, is detailed as ambulance driver and remains on this de- 
tached duty until the close of the war when he is discharged, after 
service in the ranks of twenty months. One of the 13 survivors. 

May 4, 1864, we move in the direction of Dalton, Ga., making a 
march of twelve miles. On the following day we continue on to 
Redclay, a small station on the Georgia border. Before reaching this 
station our pickets encounter the rebel outposts and considerable 
firing is kept up on the line while the enemy slowly fall back. 
After advancing about ten miles we form in line with the others of 
Sherman's army and begin operations with Atlanta as the objec- 
tive point. We now appear to be on the left wing of the line. On 
May 6 our regiment is ordered out on the skirmish line where we 
remain unmolested by the enemy. On May 7 we return to the 
main line and then move forward through a wilderness of tangled 
underbrush amid the rugged hills and mountains of northern Georgia. 
Here we are stationed in Snake Creek Gap, to hold this position. 



SNAKE CREEK GAP. 



In the meantime considerable musketry and cannonading is 
heard on our right. On May 10 I am sent with a detail of ten men 
to form a part of the skirmish line which is ordered to advance im- 
mediately on taking our position. We find a strong line of rebel 
pickets in front who stubbornly resist and hold their position until 
our line is strengthened and the main line advances to support. The 
enemy now gives way while both rebs and yanks keep mighty busy 
dodging from tree to tree or other shelter, as we slowly push them 
back with both sides doing considerable shooting with only the 
smoke from the enemy's gun as a target. The Confederates are 

95 



Footprints Through Dixie 

pushed back about five miles then enter their fortifications at 
Rocky Face Ridge, Ga. 



ROCKY FACE RIDGE, GEORGIA. 



Night coming on we are ordered to halt and build light defenses 
and men not on duty have orders to sleep with musket in hand and 
be prepared for quick action if called for. The day has been warm 
and after this tiresome march over rocky hills and through tangled 
underbrush we gladly accept this rest between reliefs with muskets 
as bedfellows. 

Boys on the skirmish line are meeting a new method of warfare 
at the base of Rocky Face Ridge. Rebels occupying the heights are 
sending down boulders as large as barrels, tearing down the mountain 
side, crashing through brush and trees, bounding from cliff to cliff in 
their descent. Our skirmishers are keeping out of range of this bom- 
bardment, some taking shelter under projecting cliffs near the moun- 
tain base, remaining here for a time as volleys of this new ammuni- 
tion pass over their heads. 

On the following morning we are relieved from picket and return 
to the regiment. Before noon our pickets are attacked by the enemy 
who sally forth from their works and a rapid firing is kept up for a 
short time. In the meantime we advance to support the skirmish 
line and throw up a light line of defenses when the enemy falls back 
to fortifications. On May eleven we again move and after marching 
about ten miles toward the right of our line we bivouac for the 
night, continuing the march on May 12, while considerable firing 
is heard on our left. 

During these operations we hear that our old friend Judah, 
commanding the Second division, from whom we so gladly separated 
ourselves in Kentucky, is arrested for disobedience of orders, by 
order of General Schofield. It is reported that at the end of a 
courtmartial Judah is dismissed from service. The boys all express 
a warm and kindly feeling toward Schofield. 

On May 13 we again move forward and after a march of about 
fifteen miles we form in line of battle fronting the enemy's works at 
Resaca, Ga. 



RES AC A, GEORGIA. 



Here the enemy occupy a strong line of works, also a line of rifle 
pits at the base of the hill in their front. On May fourteen, we form 
in line of battle with fixed bayonets and march forward to a position 
facing the enemy where he awaits us in plain view of our move- 
ments while we are at the timber's edge facing an open field clear 
of obstruction except a rail fence where we are forming our lines. 

96 



Footprints Through Dixie 

The bugle now sounds the charge when we sweep aside the rail fence 
and go forward with lusty yells amid the whistling of balls and roar 
of artillery. Crossing the open field the enemy gives way abandon- 
ing the rifle pits where we take refuge and send in a few rounds of 
ammunition as the rebs scamper over the hill to their second line of 
defenses. We are soon ordered forward to attack the second line 
located over the crest of the hill and while advancing to this line 
of the enemy position we are out of range of his fire until we have 
almost reached the summit of the hill and on reaching this exposed 
position orders are given to lie down and engage the enemy as 
opportunity offers. We remain in this position until dark and are 
then relieved by other troops and retire to the rear for rations and 
ammunition. On the following morning it is found that the enemy 
has changed position and before evening is in full retreat from 
defenses fronting Resaca, having been forced to make this move 
by flank movement of our troops threatening the rear. During our 
assault on their works the rebels give a wonderful exhibition of 
bad marksmanship for nearly all their musketry and artillery is 
aimed at a safe distance overhead. The loss in our brigade is about 
three hundred killed, wounded and captured, but only eleven in our 
regiment David B. Newhouse is the only sufferer in our company, 
receiving a slight scalp wound. Colonel Reilly leads the charge 
mounted on a plug horse and dressed in the uniform of a private 
soldier The colonel does not want to lose a good horse or draw 
any more than his share of the enemy's fire, but he loses his cap 
and with his hair and galways standing out like porcupine quills 
he reaches the enemy line with his command. The plug horse 
unable to leap the works lands with his front feet in the ditch and 
balks leaving the colonel in a very uncomfortable position. He dis- 
mounts and finishes the advance on foot for he could not coax or 
swear the animal out of the ditch. Boys think it was the sight of the 
charging Reilly that frightened the enemy out of their works. 

Had we known that this assault on the enemy line was to be but 
little more dangerous than a foot race we would have felt less timid 
while preparing to make the charge. 

Owing to the enemy's bad marksmanship our regiment escapes 
with this small loss, while other regiments in our brigade meet with 
stronger resistance or are perhaps occupying more exposed posi- 
tions. 

Lining up for an assault on the enemy is not a pleasing experi- 
ence in army life. It is difficult to give expression to one's feel- 
ings at such a time. Pride and a personal sense of duty and honor 
sustains as the bugle sounds the charge and all go forward with 
lusty yells, the screaming of shot and shell seeming to infuse one 
with a strong desire to reach the harmless end of fire arms that 
are dealing out death in the ranks. Our movements seem that of a 
connected body with one purpose in view and one feels that greater 
safety is found in unity of action. It is said a soldier rarely runs 

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Footprints Through Dixie 

away because of individual cowardice, the cowardice being that of 
a connected body. Men have been heard to express a desire to en- 
gage in this kind of bayonet exercise and sometimes found silent, if 
not absent when this opportunity is found. But crossing of the 
bayonet in battle does not occur often for it is usually expected that 
if the other fellow wont run, we will. History gives the loss of 
both armies during this engagement as nine hundred killed and 
thirty-six hundred wounded and missing. 

We now get full details of this engagement from the oracles 
who seem to have been able to see what has been going on over this 
long line of battle extending many miles and in a wild mountainous 
country. But they can't agree and the case is never settled. 

Among the prisoners captured Colonel Reilly finds an Irishman, 
not many years from the old sod, who has been serving in the rebel 
ranks. But it would never do to print what the colonel said to this 
prisoner, nor can one describe the manner in which it was said. 
The colonel fairly foamed at the mouth in his denunciation of his 
countryman who had taken up arms against his adopted country. 
Before the frightened prisoner could open his mouth in reply, the 
toe of Reilly's boot found its mark as the colonel departed. 

Here Mother Bickerdyke appears upon the scene with her 
ambulance loaded with supplies for the wounded. Mrs. Livermore, 
in her book, "My Story of the War," says: "I despair of giving any 
account of the work accomplished by Mrs. Bickerdyke and Mrs. 
Porter from April to November, 186k What it is to follow Sher- 
man's army in the Atlanta campaign, when it fought every foot of 
the way over rugged mountains, through deep ravines, through 
thick primitive woods, crossing headlong rivers — to follow with only 
the one aim of ministering to the exhausted, the suffering, the 
wounded, the dying, with only blanket and a pillow for a bed, the 
roar of artillery, the clash of arms, the cries of distress, and the 
shouts of battle continually resounding, to live night and day in 
the midst of these horrors, in constant attendance upon the mangled 
and anguished soldiers brought to them from the front, or taken 
to extemporized hospitals — this cannot be described. 

"As they were pushing along in their ambulance they hear the 
distant sound of fierce cannonading and knew that a battle was on 
ahead of them. Now, this is mingled with the crash of musketry, 
the call of half a hundred bugles, the thundered command of of- 
ficers leading their men to the conflict, the yells of infuriated sol- 
diers as they hurl themselves on their antagonists with the shock of 
an avalanche — and sometimes overtopping all, the awful cries of 
mortal agony that came up from the battlefield from men 
writhing in every form of ghastly wounds. They were in the rear 
of the battle of Resaca. On one side are heaped the knapsacks of 
which the men have stripped themselves for the fight — on the other 
the amputating tents of surgeons surrounded by the ever-increasing 
quantity of mangled and dissevered limbs. The field hospital is in 

98 



Footprints Through Dixie 

readiness for the wounded, who lay about under trees and on the 
grass waiting their turn at the amputating tables or to have their 
wounds dressed. In a short time both women are at work. Their 
portable kettles with furnaces attached are set up, their concentrated 
extract of beef is uncanned, and soon the fainting and famishing 
men are uttering their thanks for the great refreshments and pal- 
atable soup. They also dress wounds, take down memoranda of 
last messages to be sent to friends, receive and label dying gifts 
to be distributed to loved ones at home, encourage the desponding, 
and speed the parting soul to heaven with a brief verse of hymn, a 
quotation from the word of Christ or fervent and tender prayer. 
Never were the services of women more needed, never were sol- 
diers more grateful for their motherly ministrations. The Atlanta 
campaign was made a success, not alone by the consummate skill of 
its great commander, but by downright, unflinching, courageous, 
hard fighting such as the world has never surpassed in the annals 
of history." 

We are now a part of the Twenty-Third army corps, Army of 
Ohio, under command of General Schofield, and General Jacob D. 
Cox commanding the Third division to which we belong. Our 
brigade (First) under command of Colonel Reilly embraces the 
Eighth Tennessee, Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky, One Hundred 
and Twelfth Illinois, One Hundredth and One Hundred and Fourth 
Ohio regiments of infantry and battery "D" Tenth Ohio Light Ar- 
tillery. The Second Brigade under command of General Hascall, 
consists of the Sixty-Third Indiana, Sixty-Fifth Illinois, One Hund- 
red and Third Ohio, Eleventh Kentucky, and Fourth Tennessee reg- 
iments of infantry and one battery. The Third brigade consists of 
the Second Michigan, First, Second. Eleventh and Thirteenth Tenn- 
essee and First Alabama regiments, under command of Colonel 
Byrd of the First Tennessee. General Burdridge commanding the 
Fourth division of our corps is left in Kentucky, and General Tilson 
is left in Tennessee with Second division. 

On this campaign we have the Army of the Cumberland under 
General Thomas with a force of 60,000 men. The Army of the 
Tennessee under command of General McPherson with a force of 
24,000 men, and the Army of the Ohio under General Schofield with 
13,000 men, and about 250 cannon making a total force of 97,000 men 
including cavalry, with General Sherman in command of the entire 
force now headed in the direction of Atlanta, Ga. 

May 16 the enemy having retreated toward the interior of Dixie, 
we move forward fording the Coosawattie river, then march a dis- 
tance of about ten miles and bivouac for the night. On May 17, an 
early start is made and we are soon within hearing of musketry, 
and after a march of fifteen miles is made we camp for the night. 
At the end of this march the quartermaster issues half rations on 
which, it seems, we are expected to perform double duty. On May 
19 we are hustled out early with orders to place our arms and 

99 



Footprints Through Dixie 

equipment in good working order. We engage in this work until 
about four o'clock a. m. when our forward movement is continued 
until we reach a point near Cassville, Ga., where we camp in line of 
battle. 



CASSVILLE, GEORGIA. 



On May 20 another early start is made with strong indica- 
tions of trouble ahead, marching with right of company's to the 
front. During the early hours of the day we find the enemy's skir- 
mish line which falls back without much effort to hold its position 
until Cartersville, Ga., is reached. 



CARTERSVILLE, GEORGIA. 



Here we remain over night and learn that the rebels are pre- 
pared to make a stand in defense of the village where a quantity of 
cotton and army supplis is stored, also the location of a large factory 
where munitions of war is made for the rebel army. On the follow- 
ing morning our skirmish line is strengthened and the army moves 
forward in line of battle slowly forcing the enemy back through the 
village and across the Etewah river. On entering the village, 
cotton and other supplies are found burning but the enemy is so 
closely pressed that a pontoon bridge on the river is abandoned. 
Here a number of prisoners are taken and later in the day we set 
fire to the factory and witness a display of fire works from ex- 
ploding shells and other ammunition. Many of the citizens have 
deserted their homes and fled with their retreating friends first 
firing the railroad bridge and a number of cars, which are burning 
as we enter the village. Here we halt and stack arms for a short 
rest. While waiting orders we visit a number of these deserted 
homes where breakfast had just been served or was in course of 
preparation. Our experience in the culinary art now comes in play 
and many delicacies we find in these homes are added to the bill 
of fare. We enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the expense of the 
Confederate States of America, then fill our haversacks and depart 
without washing the dishes or doing up the morning work. A few 
days ago the rebel General Joe Wheeler captured our division sup- 
ply train which reduced us to one-half rations, so a square meal or 
two is now greatly appreciated. We are always ready for anything 
in the ration line and when found, time is never wasted in waiting 
for an invitation to partake. A member of the company badly in 
need of a shirt is unable to find anything in the line of men's wear- 
ing apparel, all this probably having been given to supply rebel 
soldiers. The nearest he could find to the article wanted is a nicely 
embroidered garment, low in the neck and sleeveless. This "jimmy," 

100 



Footprints Through Dixie 

as he calls it in his lame English is about the same as "nottings 
at all," yet he wears it until a better one is found and then uses 
the garment for gunwipers. 

We go into camp here and stake down our tents. In the even- 
ing our company is detailed for picket duty and form our lines south 
of the city along the north bank of the river. With my squad we 
take a position near the river bank at the burning railroad bridge. 
Soon after dark we hear voices on the opposite side of the river 
and do a little scouting along the water's edge where we find 
rebels are placing picket posts along the south bank of the stream. 
Securing a safe position in an abandoned turn table pit we cap our 
muskets and await developments. All is quiet along the line save 
the low tones of command given by an officer placing his pickets. 
We wait and listen for some time until the Johnnies probably con- 
clude the "Yanks are not thar" and grow bold enough to start a 
small fire near the water's edge. We see them walking about their 
fire then send in six shots that brings a howl from some luckless 
reb. and their fire brands are quickly kicked into the water. This 
volley draws the enemy's fire on us for a short time then all be- 
comes quiet the remainder of the night. No more fire are built, the 
rebs. probably contenting themselves with a cold lunch. On the 
following morning we are relieved, the enemy having disappeared 
during the night, their forces retreating from the line. 

May 22, 1864, William T. Daugherty, a recruit of Lake town- 
ship, is sent to the hospital returning for duty at Rome, Ira., 
October 20, following. He is again sent to the hospital at Wil- 
mington N C, March 6, 1865, and on recovery is detailed as clerk 
where he remains until the close of the war, having served on 
duty with the company six months. 
May 25, 1864, we cross Etewah river on pontoon and march about 
fifteen miles toward the right of our lines. At night we halt ex- 
pecting to pitch our tents, but after supper and a short rest we are 
given orders to move forward spending the entire night either march- 
ing or standing in battle line ready for action. During a portion 
of this night's experience we are standing or marching in a down- 
pouring rain, thoroughly soaked and well besmeared with Georgia 
mud. In the early morning we prepare breakfast and continue the 
march until our forces are near the enemy lines at Dallas, Ga., 
where we are allowed but little rest for orders are given to ex- 
change muskets for shovels and axes and these are kept busy until a 
line of fortifications is built. 



DALLAS, GEORGIA. 



Yonie now informs us that we had sixteen days of rain since 
the first of May and will have more before the close of the month, 
"just as he told us when he got his eye on the new moon." Fritz says 
Yonie's predictions are all moonshine but agrees that Yonie has 



101 



Footprints Through Dixie 

guessed right this time. The argument is continued as usual and these 
come with greater regularity and more abundantly than rations. 
With Yonie's moon signs and Ritchey's bunions as weather prog- 
nosticators we always know when to look for some kind of weather, 
and are never disappointed. 

Here we established our lines within easy range of the enemy's 
artillery fire these seeming to be located on the extreme right of 
our lines for we hear heavy firing at a considerable distance on our 
left. Firing on the picket line is constant during the day and we 
keep close within shelter of our works. Sharpshooters on both sides 
are on the lookout for victims and a number who expose themselves 
are killed and wounded. Among the killed is Captain Horton who is 
shot through the head as he passes along the line near our company 
quarters, on May 28. So near are we to the enemy position that 
pickets cannot be placed during the day, and reliefs are sent out 
after dark. On the evening of this date company "B" is ordered on 
the skirmish line. We are on the line but a short time when a great 
disturbance is kicked up in our front until it seems that the entire 
rebel force has turned out as bell ringers. When this racket nears 
our position we fire a volley in the direction of this noise then fall 
back on the reserve. We are now reinforced by an additional detail 
and ordered forward in the direction of this uproar. With a volley 
of musketry and lusty yells we advance some distance and make the 
discovery that bells have been placed on a heard of cattle driven 
before the enemy for the purpose of stampeding our force. On the 
approach of day the enemy appears in force and drive us back to our 
fortifications where we hold them throughout the day. 

While on this skirmish line William W. Smith, of Plain town- 
ship, receives a severe wound in his arm and is sent to the hos- 
pital, returning for duty September 30, following. November 30, 
at the battle of Franklin, Smith is captured and sent to Ander- 
sonville prison, where he remains until the close of the war and 
is discharged at Columbus, Ohio, May 29, 1865. He served his 
entire term of enlistment with the company, except while a pris- 
oner of war and in the hospital recovering from his wound. 

June 3 we are relieved from duty in the fortifications and fall 
back in the rear a short distance and for the first time since occupy- 
ing these works we enjoy a rest, are supplied with rations and am- 
munition and receive our mail. 

June 6 Corporal John Spangler, of Plain township, is ap- 
pointed sergeant. With the exception of thirty days' leave of 
absence he served his entire term of enlistment on duty with the 
company and is mustered out at the close of the war. 

May 31 Joseph Stuart, of Salem, is detailed as teamster, re- 
maining on this detached service until the close of the war, 
having served on duty with the command twenty months. 

June 6 George Nelson, a recruit of Plain township, is detailed 

as teamster with the Twenty-Third Corps ammunition train, 

■ where he served until the close of the war, then transferred to 

the One Hundred and Eighty-Third Ohio regiment, after two 

months' service with the company. 

On the morning of June 4 we are on the march toward the left 

102 



Footprints Through Dixie 

of the line and when nearing the position assigned we encounter the 
rebel skirmish line, driving it back to the enemy's main line of 
works, when we stack arms and get busy with axe and shovel until 
a line of defense is completed. During this movement and work 
we are deluged with rain and a constant shelling from the enemy 
batteries. Our part of the line is now located near Ackworth 
Station, Ga. 



ACKWORTH STATION, GEORGIA. 



June 5 our brigade is sent out a distance of about five miles on 
a reconoissance. Not finding the enemy we return early in the 
evening and occupy our quarters. Rains continue and the weather 
is blistering hot. On June 6 we are strengthening our works and in 
the evening our company is sent out on the picket line. On June 7 
marching orders are given when we return to the line, but later this 
order is countermanded and we remain in our works. Our rations 
are exhausted and considerable growling is heard. It is not possi- 
ble at times to reach our positions with the supply train, and some- 
times rebel cavalry make a raid in the rear of the army and capture 
our supplies These explanations might be satisfactory to boys who 
are not worn out with hunger and hard usage. But we "cuss* the 
quartermaster just the same and are not in a mood to consider the 
whys and wherefores Ritchey appeals to Yonie to try his peach 
sprout and see if he can locate something in the eatable line. Re- 
lief comes on June 9 when rations are supplied then we mentally 
apologize for what we have been saying about the quartermaster. 
With our regiment on the skirmish line we advance toward the 
enemy driving his skirmish line under their fire and shelling, while 
dodging from tree to tree as the line advances. These movements 
with the showers coming down rapidly at times add to our discom- 
fort and danger as the skirmishers advance through the forest and 
fields. The scalding hot sun between showers and the low hanging 
smoke with scarcely a breath of air stirring, is suffocating. The 
enemy is stubborn and resists advance. We are urged forward by 
the main line closely supporting as we continue to dodge from tree 
to tree or other shelter and fire as rapidly as we can load and get a 
glimpse of "Johnnies" or see the smoke from their muskets, they, 
like ourselves, being kept busy finding protection as they slowly 
give way. Exploding shells, musket balls and solid shot are trim- 
ming trees, throwing bark, splinters, and limbs in many directions. 
Frequently we see a boy in blue throw up his hands and fall as he 
hastens from cover to cover. Boys in blue and in gray are seen 
lying dead or wounded as we slowly press the enemy back amid 
the stifling heat and smoke while agonizing cries from wounded 
and dying are heard as we advance. A dead rebel sharpshooters, who 

103 




" Advancing Skirmish Line" 
Dodging from cover as the Enemy Slowly give way. 



Footprints Through Dixie 

had lashed himself well up in the top of a bushy tree top, is seen 
suspended as we pass by. 

During this day's advance Uriah Dennis of Paris township, 

is severely wounded and is sent to the hospital where he died 

soon afterward. 

On June 11 we are relieved from the skirmish line and fall back 
on the main line where preparations are again made to continue the 
forward movement. Our skirmishers now advance and open fire 
driving the enemy slowly back. In the meantime he makes frequent 
threats to assault our lines and to meet these threatened assaults we 
build five lines of works during the day. This movement seems to 
be made to break the enemy line between Kenesaw and Pine moun- 
tains. Near the foot of Pine mountain we find the enemy line in a 
strong position beyond a large open field. He also occupies an 
advance line with a strong line of skirmishers behind trees, log- 
heaps, railpiles and in an old log building. Our company is sent 
forward to reinforce the skirmish line and we pump in cold lead 
receiving plenty of the same in return but the rebs stay right "thar" 
and hold their position. We make a rush for the rail fence sur- 
rounding the field and send in more lead, yet they hold their ground 
This field fronting us is a mass of blackberry bushes with berries 
now ripening and while waiting orders a number of boys take 
chances by crawling through or over the fence and feast on berries. 
In the meantime two pieces of artillery unlimber their guns imme- 
diately in our rear and send shells that scatter log heaps and other 
cover used by the enemy, as well as an outpouring of Johnnies who 
are not slow in hunting for safer cover while we go forward with 
yells and soon have possession of the enemy picket line. As we 
charge through the blackberry bushes our battery boys send shells 
over our heads at the enemy, one of which is seen to enter the gable 
of the old log barn and seems to have exploded at about the right 
time and place for there is not enough openings in the old building 
to let out the panic stricken rebs. as they trample each other under 
foot in their mad haste to find safer quarters. On taking possession 
of this advanced line we find a number of dead and wounded have 
been left where they fell. 

After taking this position beyond the blackberry field our regi- 
ment is ordered to another part of the line to support a battery sent 
to silence a rebel battery now making trouble on our left. As 
soon as a favorable position is secured our battery boys unlimber 
their guns and begin firing, our regiment taking a position a short 
distance in the rear where we lie as closely to the ground as pos- 
sible with a strong inclination to burrow down into the bowels of 
the hill. Soon another battery arrives and lines up with the cannon 
engaged, then begins one of the most deafening artillery duels we 
have heard at close range during the campaign. As soon as a gun 
is fired the battery boys are seen to drop to the ground remaining 
there until the enemy has fired when they are up again in an instant 
and repeat these movements. The duel lasts a half hour or more 

105 



Footprints Through Dixie 

when the enemy is seen to limber up his guns and we are ordered for- 
ward on double quick but the rebs. get away with all guns except 
one which is found disabled when we reach the abandoned positions 
We find a number of dead and wounded, one with his head missing 
and brains and pieces of skull scattered on the ground and bushes. 
During the time of this duel a number of our battery boys are killed 
and wounded, but we are protected somewhat behind the hill and 
escape serious injury. Jackman tries to commit suicide, or with 
more curiosity than caution, sits up where he can better watch the 
artillery in action and with hearty laughter enjoys seeing boys- 
squirm and hug the soir when cannon balls or fragments of shells 
plow up the earth half covering some of the boys with dirt. 

During today's operations the rebel general Bishop Polk is 
killed while riding along the, side of Pine mountain. The events 
noted above cover the time from June 11 to June 18 and we are 
now in a position near Pine Knob threatening the enemy left and 
find his works fronting us abandoned. During this time the enemy 
is so closely pressed that he continues to leave many of his dead 
and wounded where they fail. We follow the retreating enemy 
about two miles in a southerly direction then stack arms and hur- 
riedly build a line of defenses. 

On June 18 we remain in our works amid showers of water 
from the clouds and frequent shot and shell from the enemy. Mean- 
time details of men are seen gathering and burying the dead of both 
armies. On June 19 we move forward about five miles without fund- 
ing any opposition except an abundance of mud and water, and camp 
near the Marietta road. On the afternoon of June 20, while rains 
continue, we move to the right a few miles, where we find and 
occupy a line of the enemy's abandoned works. On June twenty-two 
we move forward driving the enemy's skirmish line several miles to 
a large plantation where we stack arms and build fortifications while 
between showers the weather is extremely hot. How we are able 
to stand up under this heat and hard usage is surprising yet the 
limit is reached by boys who frequently fall out of ranks through 
exhaustion. Excused from duty for a few days they are back on the 
line again. On June twenty-six we again advance with our company 
on the skirmish line and are pleased to find the enemy falling back 
without showing much resistence. On June twenty-seven we are 
relieved from the skirmish line when our main force leave the works 
in battle line and after advancing a few miles the enemy is found 
who stubbornly resist and hold us in check for several hours, then 
finally give way closely followed by our forces pressing him across 
Nickajack creek. Here we stack arms and go to work with ax and 
shovel until a line of rifle pits is built. We now seem to be near 
the right of our line pushing the enemy left, while our forces are 
heard pounding the rebel center at or near Kenesaw mountain. 



106 



Footprints Through Dixie 
KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 



During the day furious fightifflg with heavy cannonading is heard 
on our left, and at night we witness a grand display of fireworks 
at the summit of the mountain which at times is ablaze. On June 
28 the enemy attack our pickets, forcing them back from their posi- 
tion while we on the line are busily engaged until late at night 
strengthening our position. In the meantime plaintive voices of com- 
rades down the line are heard singing— "Many are the Hearts that are 
Weary Tonight." 

This movement of the enemy was probably made for the purpose 
of finding our position and strength for he falls back and occupies 
his works. Heavy firing is again heard on our lett apparently in 
the vicinity of Kenesaw mountain. July 2, it now appears that the 
enemy has decided to abandon the line and the strong positions 
held at the mountain for our army at this time seems to be occupy- 
ing positions on three sides of the mountain. July 3, the enemy is 
retreating to the Chattahoochie river while we follow and occupy 
Marietta, Ga., late in the evening. 



MARIETTA, GEORGIA. 



On July 5 we again move forward while the left wing of the 
army is engaging the retreating foe. During this forward movement 
our 'company is on the skirmish line where we remain two days as 
pickets or rear guard finding but slight resistance from the enemy, 
and reach the Chattahoochie river and camp near the railroad. Here 
we enjoy a swim and bath while the pioneer corps is placing pon- 
toons across the river. On July seven I am sent with a squad of 
ten men to Division Headquarters where we are joined by other 
detachments from the Third division and march up the river several 
miles where we find a pioneer corps unloading pontoons which are 
used as boats to convey our detachment of about one hundred men 
across the river. After a few trips all are landed on the south side 
near the mouth of Soap creek. We are now deployed on the skir- 
mish line then advancing we soon find the enemy outpost. The 
Johnnies kindlv fire at a safe distance over our heads as we move 
forward and divide our force at the foot of a hill they occupy, each 
detachment advancing up the valleys. At a signal we go up the hill 
on double quick striking the enemy both front and rear sending in 
one volley which seems to be sufficient for he quickly retreats leav- 
ing a small piece of artillery. After further search for rebel out- 
posts we select a favorable position, build light breastworks and 
camp for th night, and on July eleventh return to our commands 
which have crossed the Chattahoochie river and camped at Isham's 
Ferry, Ga., where the army is allowed a rest until July 17. 



107 



CHAPTER VL 



ATLANTA TO DECATUR, GA. 



During this time the army is being inspected by Medical Di- 
rectors, curious to see, perhaps, what men look like who can stand 
up under the severe rawhiding we have been enduring during the past 
sixty days. Blistering hot weather continues while frequent show- 
ers give a little relief. This racking demand upon our strength, want 
of sufficient nourishing food is plainly shown in haggard faces and 
unsteady step among the boys. Frequently one drops from the 
ranks and is excused from duty yet remains with the company or at 
the field hospital until sufficient strength is gained to report for 
duty. A few are compelled to give up the struggle and are sent to 
the rear on lighter duty or are discharged from service. Boys dread 
going to hospitals and when possible they prefer taking chances with 
their comrades than with hospital attaches. 

This rest is doing us a world of good. Boys are lounging in 
their tents or under trees when not on duty. A large force of men 
is kept busy repairing and building bridges and railroad destroyed by 
the retreating enemy, and often after these repairs are made rebel 
cavalry raiders dodge in and tear up things genrally, making trouble 
and keeping us hungry much of the time. Supplies are now coming 
forward and we are getting plenty of rations and other supplies 
though but little clothing is needed except shoes. Many of the pine 
forests through which we march and where we sometimes camp are 
abandoned fields that plainly show evidence of cultivation in years 
past. These forests also keep us plentifully supplied with jiggers 
and woodticks. 

The skeleton bridges and trestle work our engineers and pioneer 
corps are building over streams and valleys do not look substantial 
and one would hesitate to walk over them, yet heavy trains of sup- 
plies pass over these frail looking structures. Rebel prisoners are 
surprised at the ingenuity of Yankees and the rapidity shown in re- 
pairing railroads and bridges. They declare that "old Bill Sherman 
carries a supply of ready made bridges, adding that it was useless 
to blow up Tunnel Hill for "old Bill" even carries a supply of 
ready made tunnels. 

To describe one's feeling during the past few weeks while dig- 
ging trenches, trailing through mud, water and underbrush and over 
uneven highways and byways is impossible. To get an idea of this 
experience one must drop in the ranks loaded with the necessary 

108 



Footprints Through Dixie 

supplies and equipment and subsist a portion of the time on short 
rations, then march under the rays of a Georgia midsummer sun with 
perspiration running down his body and face and graybacks running 
in divers directions over his body. While enjoying occasional short 
rests he must occupy his time seeing that musket and equipment is 
kept in order. This is all. The remainder of the time he can rest. 
Our hours for rest and sleep are uncertain. There is no set time for 
assembly call, or the call to arms. 

Word reaches us that during our advance toward Atlanta Chap- 
lain Buel Whitney was captured by the enemy's scouts. For the 
past few weeks we have seen but little of our chaplain who is kept 
busy while aiding in looking after sick and wounded soldiers drop- 
ping from the ranks every day, while we have been just as busy 
marching, digging and dodging from cover to cover as the army ad- 
vances with but little time for rest. 

It seems that for the purpose of reaching some point on the 
line the chaplain borrowed a mule from a wagon master and while 
on his way lost his bearings and wandered outside the lines and 
is captured by rebel scouts. Equipped, as he was, with wagon mas- 
ter's mule, saddle and saddle bags, and without evidence that he 
bore the rank of a commissioned chaplain the rebel colonel before 
whom he was taken was not disposed to accept his story. During 
a severe grilling administered by the rebel colonel a rebel officer 
entered the tent and calling the colonel aside presented the latter 
with a few articles found in the chaplain's saddle bags. The colonel 
now believing his prisoner to be either a scout or spy, seats himself 
facing the chaplain, yet with ill concealed attempt to look severe, he 
roars out: "You say, Mr. Whitney, that you are chaplain of the 
104th Ohio regiment?" 

"Yes, sir," replies Whitney. I received that appointment some 
months ago and since that time I have been performing the duties 
of that office." 

After considerable more grilling the chaplain still maintaining 
that he is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, the 
Confederate colonel reaches in his pocket and produces a bottle of 
whiskey found in the saddle bags, saying: 

"Now, Mr. Chaplain, when holding religious services do you ad- 
minister sacrament of the Lord's Supper from this decanter? Then 
reaching in the other pocket the colonel produces a deck of cards 
saying very loud and severely, "and do you take your texts from the 
Book of Kings found in this Bible?" 

The effect upon the prisoner after this evidence of his guilt was 
produced was never known. It is presumed that he collapsed for no 
explanation could clear up the situation in the minds of his captors 
until Colonel Reilly got in communication with the enemy and se- 
cured the chaplain's release. 

109 







'Fresh Fish" 



Footprints Through Dixie 
ATLANTA, GEORGIA. 



The enemy is now falling back within his defenses at Atlanta, Ga., 
and receiving reinforcements of state militia and veteran troops from 
other points within the Confederacy and the tug of war is near at 
hand. General Johnston, commanding the rebel forces is now re- 
lieved of his command by General Hood. Detachments of recruits 
are daily coming to our camps and assigned to different regiments 
throughout the army. When these recruits appear in camp the cry 
of "Fresh Fish" is heard coming from old veterans along the line. 
Old soldiers easily detect the recruit by the new uniform and size of 
his knapsack. The recruit has carefully treasured all the extras 
provided by mother and tokens of affection provided by "The girl 
he left behind him." All this added to the clothing and equipment 
provided by Uncle Sam thus strapped upon his back and viewed 
from the rear, little can be seen except an animated mass of bag- 
gage and a pair of legs that seem bending under the burden they 
bear. After a few days' marching in the heat of a Georgia mid- 
summer sun these extras begin to disappear. They are thrown away, 
all that which is not absolutely necessary to keep and the other may 
be seen strewn along the roadside, for it is found much easier to 
lie down to sleep in the fields and forest without covering than to 
be tortured with heavy loads. After the recruit has unloaded a por- 
tion of his goods and chattels and is successful in his "skirmish for 
graybacks" he has passed the entered apprentice degree in soldiery 
and is no longer a "fresh fish." A family of full grown graybacks with 
a wood tick or two, accompanied by a few jiggers, located between 
the recruit and his baggage while on a hot march will make him 
forget his other troubles and a desire to seek revenge will come as 
naturally as a dog scratching fleas. Soldiers sometimes gather their 
crop of these pests daily if time is given, and sometimes weekly, 
3'Ct a few heavy hided heroes are said to be able to stand up under 
the punishment for longer periods and then throw the garment away 
in order, they say, to "avoid an unnecessary effusion of blood." 
Well informed soldiers claim that a grayback will mature in twenty- 
four hours, which at full growth very much resembles a miniature 
land snapper. 

July 15, 1864, while at this camp Nathaniel Gorgas of Lake 
township and Thomas Haynam of Paris township are appointed 
corporals. There is no record showing that either of these boys 
missed a day's service during the two years and ten months since 
they were mustered in. Unless on picket or guard duty they 
answered to every roll call until mustered out with the com- 
pany at the close of the war. Gorgas is one of the lucky thirteen 
yet surviving. 

July 17 a forward movement is ordered with our company on the 
skirmish line. We soon find the enemy and, closely supported by our 
forces, drive the rebel skirmishers about five miles before nightfall, 
when we are relieved by company "H", then retire to the regiment. 

Ill 




Surplus Baggage Unloaded 



Footprints Through Dixie 

On the following day we march about five miles and camp on the 
railroad. On July 19 we move forward and soon find the enemy 
pickets and drive them to their first line of works defending the 
city of Atlanta. On July 20 we again move forward and attack the 
rebels who stubbornly resist and hold their position during the day. 
We move to the right after dark and take a position facing Atlanta 
on the east. Here we camp in line of battle and indications point to 
a struggle near at hand. The enemy, now under a new commander, 
is expected to assault our line at any time. Early on the following 
morning we move to a new position and build fortifications. During 
the afternoon heavy firing is heard on our left. On July 22 we are 
in line before daylight and change to a new position where we remain 
until noon when we start on a forced march to another position on 
the left in support of McPherson whose forces are hard pressed by 
the enemy near the Decatur road. On reaching a position near his 
line we find the struggle is over and McPherson has succeeded in 
regaining the ground he lost at the first assault of the enemy. We 
camp for the night near McPherson's hospitals where scores of 
surgeons and attendants are busily at work caring for wounded, 
hundreds of whom are lying on the ground waiting their turn at the 
operating table. 

History gives the loss of both armies at this engagement at 
about nine thousand killed, wounded and missing, and about three 
thousand killed. 

Mother Bickerdyke and her helpers are on hand giving aid and 
comfort to the maimed and dying. 

Not being called upon to take part in this deadly struggle, we 
anxiously listen while hastening to reinforce McPherson, while the 
battling forces are beating each other back and forth finally ending 
in defeat to the enemy and the loss of the gallant McPherson and 
hundreds of others equally as brave. 

Late in the afternoon our brigade is sent double quick a distance 
of about two miles to protect the supply train against a threatened 
attack by rebel cavalry. Here we remain until July 26, building 
log fortifications, after which we return to our position in the line 
and draw three days' rations. On the following day I am sent with 
a squad of ten men, with other details, to work on fortifications 
where we labor all night building a small fort. This work is ac- 
complished in the midst of a pouring rain, thunder and lightning and 
an occasional shell from the enemy lines. From July 23 to July 29 
our part of the line remains comparatively quiet, the time mean- 
while occupied in building fortifications, caring for the wounded 
and burying the dead. On July 29 our brigade is sent out on a scout 
and find a few rebel cavalry who are routed, when we return to camp 
and remain here until August 2. 

We now learn that our peppery, yet kind-hearted colonel has 
been promoted to brigadier general, a just recognition of his sol- 
dierly qualities. While in camp our new brigadier is seen approach- 

113 




'Fresh Fish Captures his first Enemy. 



Footprints Through Dixie 

ing the reserve and wishing to carry out military usages and rules 
the reserve guard is ordered out to salute our new general. On 
seeing these hurried movements Reilly yells out, "Here, here, none 
of that, this is no place for such d — d foolishness." But we have the 
"edge" on the general and pay no attention to his order but fall in 
line and give the salute which is returned by Reilly without further 
protest. 

Lieutenant Colonel Sterl, formerly captain of Company "A" is 
now promoted to colonel, and Major Jordan formerly captain of 
Company "K" is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Joseph Riddle, 
captain of Company "F" is promoted to major, where they all served 
until the close of the war. 

August 2 we move about eight miles to the right of the line 
passing in the rear of the other forces and take our position on the 
right of the Fourth Corps. During this movement heavy firing is 
kept up by the skirmish lines between the contending forces, cap- 
turing a number of rebel prisoners during the day. We work by 
reliefs all night fortifying our new position and on the following 
morning our company is sent out on the skirmish line where we are 
allowed but little rest by the enemy pickets. In the meantime our 
second division is being hotly engaged on our right. 

August 4 our division is moved over the works and lined up in 
front and ordered forward in line of battle. After reaching a position 
in plain view of the enemy we occupy a line of his abandoned works 
where we await with fixed bayonet and in great suspense expecting 
every moment to hear the bugle call to assault the enemy. A view 
of his well fortified line with a clear field intervening is quite con- 
vincing that his position can not be carried without serious results. 
The enemy sharpshooters are watching closely and a number of our 
men through carelessness or a show of bravado are killed and 
wounded while we await orders. After occupying this position until 
the following morning this movement seems to have been abandoned 
for we are hurried farther to the right where our brigade forms 
eninasse in a dense wood where preparations are again made to 
assault the enemy. Here the ambulances and stretcherbearers with 
supplies on hand take a position in the rear to carry off dead or 
wounded as soon as the enemy supply the victims. This movement 
is also abandoned and on August sixth we move to another position 
on our right southwest of the city. 



UTOY CREEK. 



The past twenty-four hours have been trying to our nerves. To 
have made an assault and end the trouble would have been less har- 
rowing to one's feelings. Whatever the result might have been, the 
suspense would be ended. But it was coming. At Utoy Creek a 
death trap had been set and in obedience to orders we rushed in and 

115 



Footprints Through Dixie 

met disaster without gaining a point. Here we are drawn up in 
line, stack our arms and go hurriedly at work throwing up a line of 
defenses under the enemy's fire. With logs, rails or anything avail- 
able for the purpose we emerge from the woods a short distance in 
an open field and begin this work while the Confederates are firing 
musketry and shells. In the meantime our reinforced line of pickets 
are being slaughtered in our front. Fortunately the emeny's masked 
batteries are so near our position that many of their shells do not 
explode until they have passed over our heads. It appears that the 
enemy only want to let us know they are "thar," but do not want 
us to know their full strength or expose the masked position they 
occupy until we are lured well into the trap. As soon as a light bar- 
ricade of logs, rails, etc., is completed we rush forward to these 
defenses with shovels and down on our knees we throw dirt against 
this barricade until a bullet-proof line is completed. We then fall 
back and exchange our shovels for muskets and return to these de- 
fenses. 

While this work is under way William Walker, of Paris 
township, receives a severe gunshot wound and is taken to the 
hospital. From there he was granted a furlough home, return- 
ing to the company for duty at Nashville, Tennessee, December 
2, following. Walker is one of the few men who never answered 
to a sick call during his term of service or drew his ration of 
quinine, but answered to the call of duty during thirty months' 
service. He was mustered out with the company at the close of 
the war. One of the 13 survivors of the company. 

Soon after occupying this position another strong detail of 
troops is sent out to support the pickets now engaging the enemy, 
and the reinforced line now advance and when within a stone's throw 
of the rebel's masked riffe pits and artillery, they open a withering 
fire that sends down a large number of the attacking force. Our 
boys drop down seeking shelter wherever it may be found. The 
rebels now cease firing for a short time and call to our boys to come 
in as prisoners or be killed where they lay. "I see you, Yank, and if 
you all don't come in we'll fill you all full of holes, so better hurry 
up," and other demands of this nature are made by the rebels. A 
number of our boys who occupy exposed positions now surrender 
and pass in over the rebel fortifications, while other who feel rea- 
sonably safe remain in their position or "crawfish" back and escape, 
though a number are shot while making the attempt. It is now 
known that the task is a hopeless one for the enemy's concealed rifle 
pits are seen with a strong force defending their line. Word passes 
along the line that the entire division will now be thrown against 
the enemy. If this move is contemplated it was abandoned after our 
commander becomes aware of the situation. All who can, now fall 
back out of range of the enemy fire where we remain until August 
7 when the enemy having been flanked out of his position we move 
forward to these abandoned works and examine the death trap into 
which we were lured. 

Along the crest of a ridge the rebels built their rifle pits in a 

116 



Footprints Through Dixie 

thickly wooded position making these rifle pits in an angling form, 
each angle twenty feet or more in length, covering the dirt thrown 
from this pit with brush and leaves. The position and format.on 
of the enemy's works make it almost impossible for an attacking 
force to find cover from their cross fire. A slight depression in the 
earth, a friendly stump, or even a bush is sought by our men as a 
means of protection and concealment. Our dead left on the field 
are now found stripped of clothing. These bodies are gathered 
together and carried to the rear for identification. Among the visitors 
is General Reilly who passes along viewing the row of dead and 
soon departs while tears are seen streaming down his cheeks. The 
loss in our brigade is four hundred and fifty killed, wounded and 

missing. . 

An incident showing great courage and devotion is witnessed 
during this engagement. Samuel Haag and his young brother 
Henr?, of Marlboro, are lying side by s.de near the enemy Jm 
in a position where they are unable to retreat without great 
danger and the only thing left to do is to surrender or remain 
in their position hoping to escape in some way. Seeing an op 
portunity for a shot the younger boy raises his right shoulder 
to aim thus exposing his position. Before he is ready to fire he 
is mortally wounded, the ball entering his right shoulder at the 
bas™ of the neck and passing into his body. Facing this great 
danger Samuel lifts his brother from the ground and bears him 
to the rear amid showers of balls and derisive yells, from the 
enemy. They reach a place of safety without further injury and 
remain together until the boy's death. 

Samuel Haag the elder of. three brothers in ■ our company, 
was sent to the hospital at Lexington, Ky December 1862, from 
where he applied for a furlough home which was refused Be- 
Heving he could not withstand exposure of military service dur- 
„g the winter, he deserted the command December 29 1862. 
Under the President's proclamation pardoning those absent with- 
out leave who return to their commands he reported to the 
company for duty and served faithfully until October, 1864 when 
he was again sent to the hospital from where, he was panted a 
furlough home where he died before the expiration of his fur- 
lough, December 13, 1864. 
Too much cannot be said in praise of the brave southern boys 
who remained loval to the Union and who suffered Persecu- 
tion at their homes because of their loyalty to the flag. Many of 
these men have been driven from their homes and families and 
enlisting in the Union army are now fighting neighbors and km 
folks" We have in our Division the First Tennessee infantry 
whose term of service expired a few days before this engagement 
that now gives a sublime test of its patriotism. Col. Byrd, com- 
manding this regiment, is informed by General Cox that the services 
of his regiment is needed at this critical time and asks Byrd if his 
men will consent to remain a short time. The colonel calls his men 
in line and after stating the request made by the General, he asks 
all who are willing to remain a short time to step to the front. 
Every man now steps forward and in the engagements that follow 
the regiment suffers considerable loss before its discharge from 



service. 

117 



Footprints Through Dixie 

We now move to the right of the line and build fortifications 
continuing this work until the eleventh. In the meantime heavy- 
firing is heard on our left while brisk skirmishing is kept up in our 
front until the enemy drive our skirmishers back to the line and 
build fortifications under our fire and within sight of our position. 
This brings on a sharp engagement on the skirmish line which we 
have reinforced to meet this advance, and is accompanied by a heavy 
thunderstorm, and flashes of lightning mingle with flashes of mus- 
ketry and artillery. On August twelfth we are relieved by the 
Fourteenth Corps when our brigade is sent to the right on a recon- 
noissance driving the enemy's pickets back to their main line of 
works. After this work is accomplished we return and take a new 
position and begin building fortifications. 

While these works are under construction on August sixteen, 
Captain Southworth is accidentally killed. With my squad of men 
we are engaged in digging trenches on our section of a barricade 
of logs and the captain is standing on the bank nearby. An alarm 
is given by choppers in a company adjoining, when I notice a tree 
falling in the direction of our position. Without looking from 
whence the danger is coming Southworth ran directly parallel with 
the falling tree and after running a short distance is in the act of 
leaping over a log when the falling tree strikes the barricade of logs 
about midway its length with such force that the top springs down 
and the body, or large limb of the tree strikes his head killing him 
almost instantly. He seemed to have mounted the log at the instant 
the tree top springs down, otherwise he might have escaped. When 
the tree top ceased its vibrations it rested about ten feet above the 
log on which Southworth leaped. Boys in the trenches dropped 
down and escaped injury, while I ran a short distance parallel with 
the works and stop in time to witness the death of our unfortunate 
captain. This leaves us without a commissioned officer in the com- 
pany, and Captain Vanderhoof of Company "A" is placed in tem- 
porary command. 

Andrew J. Southworth, of Marlboro, is the only commis- 
sioned officer in Company "B" who has shared with the men of 
his company the dangers and hardships we have met up to this 
time. With the exception of a fifteen day furlough he has been 
on duty from the date of muster in until his death. 

A rough coffin is made of fence boards by his comrades in 
which the body is placed, and buried with the honors of war. 
Captain Southworth's body is afterward removed and buried near 
the village of Marlboro. 
Soon after Southworth's death, Orderly Sergeant Vick is com- 
missioned second lieutenant and assigned for duty with Company 
"D", and First Lieutenant Knapp of Company "E" of Massillon, O., 
is placed in command of our company, relieving Vanderhoof. Knapp 
remains in command of Company "B" until January, 1865, when 
Lieutenant Henvy Vick is commissioned first lieutenant and returns 
to the company where he remains in command until the close of the 
war. 

118 



Footprints Through Dixie 

While at this camp John Shanefelt, of Lake, township, is 
assigned to the duties of company commissary where he remains 
until April, 1865, when he is sent to the hospital, returning to the 
company for duty at Greensboro, N. C. After service on duty 
with the company thirty-three months he is mustered out at the 
close of the war. 

August 17, 1864, Sergeant Cicero Hawley, of Salem, O., is 
sent to the hospital from where he receives a furlough, re- 
turning to the company for duty at Nashville, Tenn., December 5. 
February, 1865 he is detailed for duty at the printing office at 
Kinston, N. C. returning to the company May 12. After serving 
on duty with the company nearly twenty-four months he is mus- 
tered out at the close of the war. 
August 18 we are again called in line and march in the direction 
of the right wing of the army, while heavy cannonading is heard on 
our left. On arriving at the position assigned we begin active work 
building fortifications, completing the work on the following day. 
We now pitch our tents and when snugly fixed the assembly call is 
given. When all ready to move the order to march is countermanded. 
While occupying this position we are visited by a lively shelling 
from the enemy and showers of rain, such a common occurrence 
during the past sixty days that neither seems to disturb us much. 
On August 20 our regiment is sent out on a scout and advance to a 
point near the enemy lines where we remain quietly for some 
purpose unknown to us, standing here in darkness and rain until 
near midnight. While returning to our position in the line the 
colonel loses his bearings and for a time we are lost in the darkness 
of a dense forest, finally reaching our place on the line. Our posi- 
tion now seems to be near the right of our army where we are hav- 
ing but little trouble with the enemy. Here we remain quietly in 
camp and again are cut in rations to three-fifths of usual allowance. 
On August 28 we move farther south and after building light de- 
fenses we bivouac for the night. On the following day our march 
is continued a few miles in a southerly direction, where light de- 
fenses are again built and we remain here until August 30 when 
we again move south passing the position held by the Fourth Corps 
and late in the evening again bivouac for the night. Our position 
now seems to be nearly south of Atlanta and a guess is made by 
the boys that we will soon strike a railroad and perhaps a lot of 
trouble. Our military experts under muskets have anticipated about 
all the movements made since the beginning of the campaign and 
Sherman's management of the forces meets their approval. But we 
are now considerably south of Atlanta and Fritz is becoming alarmed 
over the safety of our bread and bacon line. He fears that the 
mental strain of the past few weeks has unbalanced the general's 
mind, yet the boys can't persuade him to carry a word of warning to 
the general. A lively argument is now under way and Fowler in- 
forms the whole bunch that they are afflicted with disordered minds 
yet they deny it. We take turns abusing these pests for introducing 
arguments on short rations, which are due to frequent raids on our 
supply trains made by the rebel General Joe Wheeler. A portion of 

119 



Footprints Through Dixie 

the sowbelly we draw bears evidence of having at one time belonged 
to some old brood sow in the farmer's barnyard, but it's quantity, 
not quality we now yearn for. Yes, we would gladly pay good money 
for Kentucky pies, and agree to eat them for our belts have been 
tightened up to the last hole. 

With all the rains and abundance of water Joe's and George's 
faces are so dirty we are almost at a loss to identify them until 
they answer to their names at roll call. Inspections have been neg- 
lected of late, consequently they have had no occasion to remove 
their masks. The width of white rings surrounding their mouths 
seems to indicate that Joe's tongue is a trifle the longest. 

Rumors are now afloat that "Uncle Billie" is executing a flank 
movement that will determine the fate of Atlanta and we share with 
Fritz and others a fear that our bread and bacon line will be inter- 
rupted by rebel cavalry raids on our supply trains for any more 
shortening of rations will surely starve us out. This marching and 
digging in this blistering heat and want of sufficient nourishing 
food continues sending boys to the hospital to recuperate until at 
times we have less than twenty men able for duty. 

On August 31 bugle calls are heard in many directions indicating 
a general movement of the army. This unusual bustle and noise is 
an inspiration and all seem anxious hoping that the Georgia cam- 
paign and fall of Atlanta is near at hand. We now start southward 
with a strong skirmish line in front pumping lead at the slowly re- 
treating rebel skirmishers until the Macon railroad is reached near 
Rough and Ready, where hurriedly we stack arms and baggage and 
all go to work tearing up railroad track with every one on the 
jump. Drawing the spikes at place of beginning we form in lines 
and soon sections of the track is turned upside down. Rails are heat- 
ed and twisted and ties not used in building fortifications are burned. 
A short time before reaching the railroad, engine whistles are heard 
in the direction of Atlanta and an enemy train of cars is captured 
by our forces. We build fortifications here and remain during the 
night. In the meantime distant heavy firing is heard where our 
forces are engaging the enemy. Early on the morning of Septem- 
ber 1 we advance in the direction of the enemy and soon find his 
pickets who are driven back to his main force where we are held in 
check a short time and then advance in pursuit of the now retreating 
rebel forces. During this movement hundreds of rebel prisoners and 
deserters are passing to the rear. Night coming on firing along the 
line ceases and we bivouac for the night. Noises heard in the direc- 
tion of Atlanta convince us that the rebels are abandoning the city 
and blowing up trains and destroying munitions of war. 

Two more soldiers drop from the ranks today and are sent to the 
field hospital and from there to Jonesboro, then to Atlanta, report- 
ing to the company in a few days at Decatur, Ga., where the Twenty- 
Third Corps encamped. 

"Atlanta is ours and fairly won," is an interesting sentence in an 

120 



Footprints Through Dixie 

redress given to the army by General Sherman and read on dress 
parade on the following day. 

September 2, 1864, George Werner, of Marlboro, is sent to 
the field hospital and from there to Atlanta, returning to the 
company on the twelfth, while encamped at Decatur Ga. With 
the exception of this short absence he served on duty with his 
company every day until the close of the war and is mustered 
out of service at Greensboro, N. C. 

On the same date J. W. Gaskill, of Marlboro, is sent to the 
hospital, returning to the company on September nineteen at 
Decatur! Ga. September 15. 1862. he was sent to the : field .hospital 
at Camp Snow Pond, Ky., returning for duty November 10 .fol- 
lowing at Lexington. Ky. Appo.nted corporal at Strawberry 
Pla ns Tenn., January 1, 1864, and one of the boys who slipped 
the halter "a Bellaire, Ohio, returning to the company for outy 
at WUm'ngton N C. He served until the close of the war and 
K musTered out at Greensboro, N. C. after thirty-one months 
service in the ranks. 
Atlanta, the heart of the Confederacy has been pierced and Grant 
is pounding away at its head. We are hoping the crisis is about 
passed at least for military operations in the southwest. During 
the past four months we have lost over twenty thousand men nearly 
one-fourth of the force we started with. Four thousand of these 
now occupy graves that mark our pathway between Atlanta and 
Chattanooga, where many sleep in unknown graves ar from their 
northern homes and many have dropped from the ranks through ex- 
haustion, lack of physical strength to face the hardships and hese 
are either discharged or transferred to invalid corps, while others 
are suffering the torments of rebel prisons. 

Hood has retreated southward and gone into camp and we are 
promised a season of rest if the enemy will permit. The Twenty- 
Third army corps has gone into camp and all are hop-ng Grant max 
soon capture that "last ditch" and we can return to our homes before 
another winter. The situation is being discussed in the ranks One 
military strategist in the company informs us that after a short res 
our army will chase Hood to Virginia and unite with the Army of the 
Potomac and there finish up the job. But these generals under 
knapsacks do not agree and the plans for future operations are 
threshed out without consulting the commanding general. 

After the fall of Atlanta the sick and disabled are loaded into 
ambulances and government wagons and conveyed to that city a 
distance of twenty-two miles. A battle-scarred hotel called the 
Empire House is fitted up as a hospital and here our train of ex- 
hausted, sick and wounded boys are taken. During this long trip 
over rough and dusty roads all who are unable to walk short dis- 
tances must grin and bear the punishment. Boys able to do a little 
walking spend the time trying to determine which is the greater 
punishment, walking or riding in the wagons. After walking short 
distances they seem fully determined that riding is easier but change 
their minds in a short time after climbing back in the wagons. 
Thus the punishment is alternated until the city is reached when a 

121 



Footprints Through Dixie 

number of sick and wounded boys are found in a pitiable conditions 
During our stay here we who are able to walk are permitted to go 
out over the city where the effect of our bombardment during the 
siege is seen. I occupy a room in the hospital with a severely 
wounded sharp shooter who is found dead on his cot the second 
morning after our arrival. Our nurse is probably out on the street 
finding some occupation more to his taste. 

Depopulating of the city is now under way. Families are load- 
ing their household goods in wagons and carts and departing south- 
ward. A very sharp correspondence is going on between Generals 
Sherman and Hood in regard to removal of the citizens to the rap- 
idly decreasing boundary of the C. S. A. As usual Sherman has 
things his way and a truce of five days is agreed upon and during 
this time citizens are assisted by Union soldiers in loading the 
household goods which are hauled to Rough and Ready where they 
are turned over to rebel authorities and from there conveyed to 
points within the Confederate lines, a military necessity, perhaps, 
but cruel. "War is cruelty and you cannot refine it," says Sherman. 
The penalty of treason visited upon old age, infancy and poverty. 
Wealthy southerners who are responsible for this great war of de- 
vastation and death leave homes as we invade their territory and 
thus in a great measure escape hardships and throw the burden of 
suffering upon helpless and innocent. Yet men who can shut de- 
fenseless prisoners up in vile pens and slowly starve them to death 
can desert the sick and helpless among their own people. 

Army supplies are coming in by rail and wagon trains and 
Atlanta is taking on the appearance of a great military camp now 
almost made up of soldiers and governmental employes. 




Ml 



CHAPTER VII. 



NASHVILLE, TENN., TO CLIFFTON, TENN. 



After the fall of the city our army corps march to Decatur, Ga., 
and camp for a season of rest. General Reilly orders inspection for 
each Sunday while in camp. We appear on inspection and pass in 
review in fair shape considering our tough treatment during the 
past four months of exposure to this blistering climate and the 
many miles we have marched during the advance and "whiplashing" 
from flank to flank to head off or engage the enmy. After about 
one hundred days under the enemy fire and a scorching Georgia 
midsummer sun we are now fire-tested and physically tried and 
fried out. Soldierly discipline, with the almost daily screaming of 
shot and shell and whistle of musket balls pass unnoticed. They are 
a part of our daily life. The unsatisfied appetite sharpened by 
constant labor, and an end to this drive are matters of first con- 
sideration by the man under a musket. Yet a number of these 
"Salamanders" are able to stand up under this grilling demand upon 
their strength with vitality to spare to meet any argument that 
comes up. 

September 8, 1864, while at this camp Thomas C. Fowler, of 
Marlboro, is appointed corporal. This tall, slender, sixteen- 
year-old boy at time of enlistment, was absent, sick and on de- 
tached service about one month. After service in the ranks 
of thirty-three months ho was mustered out with the company at 
the close of the war. Now one of the survivors of the com- 
pany. 

September 12, Captain Perdue visits the company long enough to 
shake hands with the boys, then returns to his duties in the ordnance 
department. 

We remain in this camp performing picket and camp duties until 
September IS, then move to the opposite side of the railroad 
and clean up a new camp. On September 22 we begin building for- 
tifications completing the work on September 27. In the meantime 
our muskets are cleaned up and put in order, U. S. plates and bay- 
onets are polished. Joe and George and other dirty faced boys 
wash and comb their hair with their fingers, but their necks and 
ears remain much unchanged. W'hiskers are beginning to show in 
spots on our faces, but all the spots are not whiskers. Water is 
sometimes scarce and soap costs money, though the quartermaster 
hands out a small portion occasionally — soap not money. In standard 
money this easy job is now bringing us five dollars and seventy- 
five cents a month, nineteen cents per day, with board and lodging, 



Footprints Through Dixie 

washing not included. To give up one-half a day's wages for a smals 
cake of soap is reckless extravagance. 

On September 27 we are mustered for six months' pay. Nearly 
one-fourth of the boys who lined up at the last pay day are now 
missing. They are in graves, hospitals and prison. During the past 
four months sutlers have been unable to keep up with the army, 
consequently we are able to draw out about all our pay and a liberal 
portion of this is given to the chaplain to be sent home. I receive 
ainety-six dollars and send home sixty dollars in greenbacks now 
said to be worth about twenty-five dollars in gold. 

We receive congratulations of the country through the Presi- 
dent's proclamation setting apart a day of solemn thanksgiving for 
our success, which is read on dress parade. We surely appreciate 
this and are in a position to enter into the spirit of thanksgiving 
with joy. hoping that an end to the suffering throughout the land 
is near. We also receive good news from the Army of the Potomac 
where that army is gradually wearing out the Confederate forces 
defending the city of Richmond. We can now see the beginning of 
the end and look forward to an early closing of the war and return 
to our homes. 

On September 28 the bugle sounds the assembly when we start 
out in light marching order to meet a threatened attack by rebel 
cavalry on our forage train, but the enemy is not found, so we re- 
turn to camp, reaching our quarters about four o'clock in the after- 
noon. On September 29 another movement is ordered to accompany 
the forage train to the vicinity of Stone Mountain, about eight 
miles distant, from where we return the same day with wagons 
loaded with provender for man and beast. Uncle Sam is a wonder- 
fully successful forager. There is ogling over prices or terms, 
and no time wasted in coming to an understanding between the 
planter and a line of bayonets. He silently and with great show of 
dignity watches the fruits of his slaves' labor leaving the planta- 
tion to supply his enemy. He has sown the seeds of treason that 
have ripened into supplies to meet the demands of this enemy and 
all he can do is to grin and bear it. He bears up with "honah" 
but refuses to grin. Xaked and half clad pickanninies scamper to 
their cabins and other hiding places to escape being eaten alive by 
Yanks. 

While on this trip Fritz is reminded of his visit over in Penn- 
sylvania and making comparisons between Stone Mountain and the 
hills down about Kishiquo — . but he gets no farther with his story 
for the boys strike up one of their favorite songs and smother 
Fritz before further damage is done. Xow Fritz goes mad and says 
many things no one can hear. When the song is finished the boys 
call for the remainder of the story, then Fritz tells them all to 
go to '1 This starts a peppery quarrel with Yonie and Fritz as the 
principal speakers. They are ever ready for an argument, espe- 
cially Fritz, who is said to talk in his sleep to make up for lost 

124 



Footprints Through Dixie 

iime. Yonie declares that Fritz springs from ancestors known in 
•the old country as "lop eared Dutch" who emigrated to Berks 
County. Pa., in early years and that the stock has never improved. As 
"Fritz's ears stand out well from his head, and are generously large 
<a sign of generosity that does not belie him), he resents this and 
"fires a broadside at Yonie's bow legs "that are so badly warped 
that he walks like a man with ingrowing nails on both feet." When 
Fritz's thinking machinery is working hard he has a habit of shifting 
1he crown of his head horizontally, producing a movement of his 
•ears in the opposite direction which reminds observers of these 
unusual movements. Yonie says, "of a dog watching a rat hole." 
The sergeant now takes a hand in the argument and closes the 
case. 

October 1 we are ordered to prepare for inspection on the fol- 
lowing day and Joe is seen washing, and then using the tail of his 
shirt to dry his face, and leaves the towel hang out to dry. All are 
busy cleaning up. Gun barrels and bayonets are polished, also U. S. 
plates and buckles. Perhaps a little sowbelly grease is rubbed over 
shoes, cartridge boxes and belts. Many boys take pride in present- 
ing a tidy appearance on inspection while others look upon this as 
all vanity and waste of time that can be better occupied in resting 
or playing seven-up. But we have due respect for Reilly's penetrat- 
ing voice and none want to draw his fire. October 2 we appear on 
inspection making a better appearance than at any time since the 
beginning of the campaign, though with perceptably shorter lines. 
This punishment is followed by a heavy rain storm that continues 
■well into the night. On October 3 we receive marching orders which 
are countermanded and renewed the following morning when we 
take up the line of march in a northerly direction. YVc cross Chat- 
tahoochie river and after a march of twelve miles bivouac, continuing 
the march on the following morning, passing through Marietta 
and on to Kenesaw mountain where we camp after a march of four- 
teen miles. 

We now learn that Hood has set out for a raid and is cutting 
telegraph lines and tearing up the railroad tracks in our rear, our 
only line of communication with the north and over which our sup- 
plies must come. "This is done for the purpose of compelling Sher- 
man to abandon Atlanta and the territory we have taken between 
here and Chattanooga," say our brigadiers in the ranks. They are 
losing faith in Sherman's generalship and probably have guessed 
Hood's purpose, yet their advanced ideas of military operations do 
not impress listeners that they are military strategists, but there 
is not one among them who will deny it. 

With mouth ajar and one eye closed Fowler impatiently listens 
to these criticisms of Sherman's generalship. Fowler prefers sil- 
ence in the ranks and has enough troubles of his own. He says 
things to those pests today that should wither their conceit. He ad- 
vises these strategists to write the President and have Fritz placed 

125 



Footprints Through Dixie 

in command of the army. Friz and Yonie agree that the campaign 
has turned out to be a failure, for Hood is now in our rear and 
will gain all the territory the rebels have lost between Chattanooga 
and Atlanta. Yonie, a handy and daring boy in giving out opinions, 
intimates that a closer watch of the signs when movements are 
made would be much to our advantage, believing this is just as 
essential when making military movements as when planting pota- 
toes or weaning calves. The argument continues on and so do we 
and after a march of about six miles we go in camp. On October 7 
accompanied by the Twelfth Kentucky regiment we go out on a 
reconnoissance and after a march of several miles over a number 
of rough roads return to camp and draw rations. 

While on this scout Ritchey starts more trouble between Yonie 
and Fritz who are bunk mates and button their half tents together 
at the end of our marches. Fritz is known to be careless about 
harvesting his crop of graybacks and Ritchey says that Yonie re- 
ports that Fritz can breed enough graybacks in one week to supply 
a whole brigade, adding that on several occasions Fritz has awaken- 
ed in the morning and found that his graybacks have carried him 
out of the tent. Of course Yonie denies this but a quarrel is now 
under way and is kept alive and going with Ritchey's aid. When 
camp is reached these chums dissolve partnership and each pitches 
his half tent separately which leaves an entrance to their sleeping 
apartments but little larger than a ground hog hole. These boys 
are contentious, too much alike to live together peaceably, but they 
soon make up and button together again. 

On October 8 we are ordered to be in readiness for a quick 
movement and all are ready to march but we hang around an hour 
or more, then march north passing through Ackworth in the direc- 
tion of Allatoona and soon hear the boom of cannon and crack of 
musketry which quickens our movement, keeping short legged boys 
on the trot. We are informed that General Hood has attacked 
General Corse's forces defending Allatoona Pass, first demanding 
its surrender. This demand being refused by General Corse, a divis- 
ion of the enemy under General French assaults our forces and is 
defeated with loss of over 1,000 men. After repeated efforts to 
carry the works by storm, and our near approach with reinforcements 
together with the severe punishment they receive at the hands of 
the little garrison, the enemy is compelled to abandon the fight. 
We arrive at the battlefield soon after the rebels retired and find 
the grounds fronting the Union defenses g : ve bloody evidence of 
the bravery of both rebel and Union forces engaged. All their dead 
and many of their wounded are left in our hands and are cared for 
by our forces. While passing through the hospitals we are shown 
two female soldiers who have donned male attire, serving in the 
Confederate ranks. Adjoining this hospital we pass a trench wherein 
is deposited an assortment of legs, arms, fingers and feet. Passing 
over the battlefield we find half hidden in bushes a Confederate 

127 



Footprints Through Dixie 

soldier leaning against a log with his head resting forward on his"- 
breast. Supposing he was wounded and had been overlooked by the 
hospital force we approached and inquired if he was badly hurt. 
On failing to get a reply we make further investigation and find 
him dead with a bullet wound near his eye, appearance indicating" 
that he had lived for some time after receiving the fatal wound. 
A letter found in his pocket written by his girl in Mississippi ex- 
presses a hope that the "Yanks will soon be licked." The body may 
have been placed in this position by some of our hospital forces. 
These ghastly tricks are sometimes indulged in by soldiers who have 
become so accustomed to seeing dead on every hand that little at- 
tention is given them, and more especially when the dead belong 
to the enemy. 

During the heat of this engagement General Corse receives a 
severe wound in his jaw which carries away a portion of his ear, 
yet he remains on the job until it is finished. 

While we are on this double quick movement to reinforce the 
garrison here, Sherman from the summit of Kenesaw mountain 
signals Corse to "hold the fort, we are coming." On Sherman's 
arrival at Allatoona he congratulates Corse for so bravely holding 
his position. Then noticing Corse's sore head, Sherman expresses 
his comforting sympathy by saying, "Why, Corse, they come d — d 
near missing you, didn't they?" 

October 4, before leaving Decatur, Tobias Gushard, of Marl- 
boro township, is sent to the hospital at Atlanta, returning to 
the company for duty at Nashville, Tenn., November 8, follow- 
ing. After thirty-three months' service he is mustered out at 
the close of the war. Now one of the 13 survivors of the com- 
pany. 



ALLATOONA, GEORGIA. 



Allatoona, Ga., is a station on the raidroad, now used as a base 
of supplies. Stacks of army supplies of all kinds are stored here 
and is the attraction that moved the rebel general to attempt its 
capture. A portion of these supplies have evidently been in store 
a considerable time for when we draw rations the crackers are found 
to be inhabited with large healthy looking worms. In fact these 
crackers are unfit to eat until they are split open and the worms and 
dust shaken out. Before this discovery is made a number of the 
boys indulge in worm sandwiches. Ritchey says if the worms don't 
want to be "et" let them stay out of the crackers. "Anyway," he 
says, "they are nice clean looking worms that wont hurt any- 
body." 

On October 9 we are again on the move, continuing on with but 
little rest throughout the day and portion of the night. On October 
10 we are supposed to be close on the heels of Hood's army while 
our cavalry is keeping his rear guard busy. This march is continued 
to Somerville, Ga., where we go into camp. 

128 



Footprints Through Dixie 
SOMERVILLE, GEORGIA. 



Smitty is despairing. He declares there is nothing to hinder 
the rebels from marching north to the Ohio river. The boys are all 
discouraged but not because of Smitty's gloom, yet his forebodings 
of disaster is not pleasant to hear and cannot help the situation. 
Smitty never waits for trouble, he seems to enjoy having a supply 
of this on hand, and to pass it out among his comrades gives him 
additional enjoyment. He is a number one soldier but as an en- 
tertainer he remains at the foot of the class. 

It is sometimes interesting even to the tired and war-worn sol- 
dier while we go marching on to note the patient and solemn frame 
of mind that seems to prevail in the ranks. Your comrades are 
silently and uncomplainingly enduring torture of aching shoulders 
and limbs, blistered feet and at times almost maddening thirst for 
water. Words are not needed to convey to each other the longing 
for peace and rest and end to the war. We have once marched and 
fought over these grounds and it now seems that the task is more 
difficult and must be repeated. While these thoughts and pains are 
running through our systems we must bear the additional burden of 
listening to boys who never tire and can't be worn out. They are 
indestructible. 



ROME, GEORGIA. 



On October 11 and 12 our march is continued, passing through 
Kinston, and on to Rome, Ga., where we camp. On October 13 we 
cross Coosa river and go out on a scout and after a short march 
surprise and capture a scouting party of rebels and return to camp 
with thirty prisoners and two pieces of artillery. On October 14 
we start out at the usual early hour and after an all day's march 
bivouac for the night. 

On the following day rations are issued when we start out at 
breakneck speed passing through Resaca and Calhoun, Ga., and go 
into camp after a march of about twenty miles. Supper is prepared 
from the following bill of fare and everything is eaten up clean 
except the candles and kinnikinick: 

Hardtack and black coffee 

Hardtack, parboiled, and coffee 

Hardtack, scrambled, and coffee 

Hardtack toasted, and coffee 

Hardtack and coffee soup 

Hardtack and bacon 

Sou-Beleigh 

Second course 

Dessiccated Vegetables 

Dessert 

Wind Pudding 

129 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Dessiccated vegetables is a new combination of feed tried out 
on the soldier and highly recommended by the army contractor as a 
means to balance up the army ration and said to be quite palatable; 
a condensed vegetable ration to be used in time of emergency. It is 
soon found that the greater the emergency the more palatable this 
ration becomes. Ritchey declares it is made from corn in the shock. 
An analysis of this mysterious mixture under the naked eye dis- 
closed to view the secret of the enterprising contractor and reveals 
a mixture of green peas and beans in the pod, pumpkin, turnips, 
carrots, corn and other ingredients including a trace of flies. This 
feed is prepared by being coarsely ground and pressed into cakes 
resembling pumice from a cider press then stacked up in a kiln to dry 
out. It shows such wonderful power of expansion that on the first 
try-out camp kettles were in demand to hold the overflow but camp 
kettles finally give out when the overflow must be stacked out on 
the grass. In fact a half pound of this "roughness" when cooked 
will make as much slop as two men can eat and becomes known in 
army circles as "desecrated" vegetables or kuinikinick. After all, 
this evaporated silage is relished as an occasional change after long 
diet on bacon and hardtack but it is lacking the quality of giving 
much nourishment and does not become popular with the boys any 
more than does the wind pudding dished up by the oracles every day 
without fail. 

October 16 finds us on the march at an early hour. Passing 
through Snake Creep Gap, a march of sixteen miles is made when we 
bivouac for the night. October 17 we fall in at the usual early hour 
when the order to march is countermanded and we settle down for 
the day. The weather is pleasant and the quartermaster issues three 
day's ration of coffee, crackers, bacon, sugar and kinnekinick. On 
October 18 we continue the march and quantities of "kinnikinick" is 
seen scattered over the camp grounds as we file on the road. We 
soon hear distant cannonading and our speed is increased in the 
direction of this noise until we cover a distance of sixteen miles 
and again bivouac, following this with a fifteen mile march and on 
October 19 we camp late at night near Gaylesville, Ala. 



GAYLESVILLE, ALABAMA. 



Soon after turning in for the night and when on the point of 
passing off into peaceful slumber a feint voice of a crowing rooster 
is heard. Being an interested listener I crawl out of the tent and 
wait for a second call of the fowl. This soon comes and without 
waiting orders, a bee line is followed in the direction of dim outlines 
of buildings seen in the distance and I soon arrive at the place where 
the rooster betrayed the flock. Judge of my surprise and disap- 
pointment when it is found that a score or more of others had ans- 
wered the same call and left only a quantity of scattering feathers, 

130 



Footprints Through Dixie 

while squalling poultry is heard from all directions leading to our 
camping grounds. Much disgusted at this wanton robbery I turn 
away feeling that every one of these boys should be courtmar- 
tialed. 

On October 20 we continue our march now at a lively gait with- 
out stopping at the noon hour, eating our crackers and bacon on the 
wing as reports reach us that the rebels are five hours march ahead. 
Late at night we go in camp, fry our bacon, make coffee, put some 
dessicated vegetables to soak and go to bed. 

It seems that during this time we have been trying to head off 
the rebels. They have torn up many miles of railroad and Fritz 
declares that "this whole summer of toil and strife has come to 
naught," and Sherman receives more long range criticism, while 
Yonie agrees with Fritz, yet he declares that the latter has more 
wind than wisdom. Then the boys all laugh except Fritz. But 
Yonie is envious. If any new opinions or theories are to be produced 
in the ranks Yonie insists on being the producer. How little we 
know about military strategy is revealed in the ranks every day, yet 
Company "B" has its full quota of military experts. Perhaps they 
are the eccentrics in this great structure of military machinery and 
serve some purpose aside from their dutiful service in the ranks. 

In blind obedience to orders this great machine moves from 
camp to camp and from bivouac to battlefield we know not where 
or for what purpose or in which direction. We know that this 
machine is operated by an engineer trained in military tactics who 
is supposed to be in possession of information showing the enemy 
position, with maps showing roads, hills, streams, etc., over which 
we are expected to travel. Scouts and spies inform the commander 
of the weak and strong points in the enemy position, and his 
strength. Possessed with this information the commander distrib- 
utes his forces for attack at a certain time or given signal. He 
cannot be present on all parts of the field of action or personally 
direct movements at all points. Officers under the commander must 
exercise judgment in carrying out minor details. Then success de- 
pends upon the fighting and staying quality of the man under a 
musket, who through toil and strife performs the work, winner of 
the commander's victories and stars and victim of his mistakes or 
inefficiency. 

We remain in this camp until October 25. In the meantime we 
wash up, clean up and line up for Sunday inspection; also do a little 
foraging, paying friendly (?) visits to neighboring plantations where- 
we are not received with open arms. On the contrary we are fav- 
ored with vollies of uncomplimentary remarks and in such plain 
terms it is not difficult to understand that the fair ladies of Dixie 
do not love Yanks. But we help ourselves. Many good things would 
be missed should we wait for an invitation to partake. While in this 
camp the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps pass along near our 

131 



Footprints Through Dixie 

camping grounds. On the above named date we continue the march to 
CEDAR BLUFFS, ALABAMA 

and bivouac for the night. October 27, we march to Center, Alabama, 
county seat of Cherokee county, then retrace our steps and after an 
all day march return to Cedar Bluffs and go into camp. October 
28 we cross the Coosa river and continue on to Cave Springs, Ga., 
making a march of 21 miles, arriving here October 29. On October 
30, we are hustled out before daylight and keep up a lively march, 
passing through Rome, Ga., and after a march of about twenty miles, 
a lot of tired boys are permitted to lie down for a night's rest. We 
are on the road at the usual early hour on the following morning 
and after a march of sixteen miles arrive at Calhoun, Ga., and go 
into camp. During this stretch of hard marching all are puzzled to 
know whether we are after the Johnnies, or they after us. But the 
puzzling situation has not awakened much argument or noise from 
the oracles who seem to be usually quiet. Silence is restful and gives 
time for meditation. Fowler threatens bodily harm to Ritchey if the 
latter undertakes to start an argument. Our strategists are taking 
mental notes and will discuss the situation as soon as they get their 
second wind. Because all are ignorant of the purpose of these whip- 
lashing movements and hard marches we feel in a despairing mood 
for it appears that this whole summer's toil and strife has accom- 
plished nothing that promises an early end to the war. We are war 
worn and cross and the few feeble efforts made by our "indestruct- 
ibles" to argue the case are met by groans and threats from boys in 
the ranks. 

Our army is now divided leaving portions of the Twenty-Third 
and Fourth Corps under command of "Pap" Thomas to bat- 
tle Hood with his Confederate army should the latter attempt to con- 
tinue a northern raid, while Sherman with the army of the Tennessee 
and Cumberland, numbering about sixty thousand man start south- 
ward on a raid that ends in his famous march to the sea at Savannah, 
Ga., and on to Raleigh, N. C, severing the Confederacy in twain. 

When this new movement becomes known in the ranks our ora- 
cles are dumfounded and panicky and hold a council of war with 
Smitty as the principle orator. He declares that Sherman is fitting 
himself for the insane asylum. "The general is deserting us, taking 
with him two-thirds of the army leaving us to be sacrificed, slaugh- 
tered or imprisoned, for he has left but about twenty-five thousand 
men to battle Hood with his army of over fifty thousand; we are 
goners, sure," and disaster again looms up before Smitty, but Ritchey 
cannot persuade the panicky boys to visit Sherman's tent with words 
of warning against his ill advised and perilous movement. Here we 
are over seventy-five miles north of Atlanta and not far from the 

132 



Footprints Through Dixie 

starting point of the Georgia campaign of last April. The situation 
is indeed puzzling and discouraging. It seems that we are doomed to 
serve entire term of enlistment and if Nick's interpretation of the 
terms under which we enlisted is correct we may end our days in 
military service, much to the delight of Ritchey. Since leaving At- 
lanta Sherman and Hood have been playing a game of checkers, each 
kept busy laying and avoiding traps set by his adversary. We hear 
that rebel cavalry under General Forest has made a raid in the rear 
of our army and destroyed over a million dollars worth of army sup- 
plies. We are also informed that General A. J. Smith with a portion 
of the Sixteenth Corps is on his way from some western point to re- 
inforce us and that other troops on duty in blockhouses, guarding 
brigades and railroads will be added to our force, but can they reach 
us in time is the question discussed in the ranks, for the rebel army 
is reinforced and now located in northern Alabama and within a few 
days' march of our position. 

During these marches through Georgia and Alabama we are 
sometimes assailed with bitter denunciations by fair ladies of Dixie 
who recite their grievances and express their opinion of Yankees so 
very plain that even a half witted Yank can easily catch on. "Lincoln 
hirelings, scum of the earth, thieves, etc., etc., are among the choice 
epithets they hand out. But we enjoy the entertainment, if not the 
sentiment. The ladies have the floor and we do not interfere except 
with occasional smiles and admiring glances and these attentions add 
fuel to their flaming wrath. One old lady lamenting over the loss ot 
property is said to have complained that "Captain Sherman's critter 
soldiers, (cavalry) rid through my garding, knocking off pickets and 
upset my ash hopper." While marching near Gaylesville, Alabama, 
two young ladies standing at a gate fronting a fine old plantation 
mansion open out in chorus with a wonderful flow of language and 
address us in every way except endearing terms. They freely ex- 
press their opinion of Yanks and seem delighted with the opportun- 
ity They are such sweet looking girls that we cannot take offense 
and the temptation to bestow smiles and admiring glances is irresist- 
ible Ritchey, the scamp, places a hand to his ear fearing he may 
miss something. The girls afford entertainment to the entire line as 
it passes in review before them. We have been warned by officers to 
make no reply to these attacks, so the girls are given the satisfaction 
of having the last word and no doubt retire much relieved. 

As we pass along wild eyed pickaninnies are seen peeking through 
fences from corners of cabins and other hiding places. Scantily clad 
and all shades of color from ebony to dark mahogany and chestnut 
sorrel gradually fading down to pale buff. And the bleaching out 
continues as generations come and go. 

November 1, our march is continued a distance of about twelve 
miles, passing through Resaca near our old battle ground of last May, 
and go in camp on the railroad near Tilton, Ga. At noon on the 
following day we move northward marching on the railroad track 

133 



Footprints Through Dixie 

to Dalton, Ga., a distance of about nine miles. Recent rains has left 
the roads in such bad condition that our commander concluded to try 
track marching today. While this seemed a little better than mud- 
wading the march stiffens our joints until it is painful getting out 
to roll call on the following morning. Here we remain in camp ex- 
posed to cold chilling rains until Sunday afternoon. November 6, 
when our forces board freight trains crowding both the inside and 
tops of cars and amid shouts from the boys and showers from clouds 
the engine bear us northward while the rains continue. Night com- 
ing on we on the "hurricane decks" make details of a few as guards 
to prevent sleepers from falling out of bed(?) and off the cars, thus 
sleeping by reliefs during the night. A few boys remove their gun 
straps and tie themselves to the running board. We pass through 
Chattanooga about 2 A. M. and during the following day arrive at 
Nashville, Tenn. 

After leaving Chattanooga the weather turns colder and we on 
the upper decks are thoroughly chilled and soaked when our desti- 
nation is reached. Fires are soon started and all are made a little 
more comfortable. This is election day and about one-half our com- 
pany now cast their first vote for president and nearly all their bal- 
lots are cast for that greatest American, Abraham Lincoln. The 
strength of our regiment now on duty as shown by the number of 
ballots cast is three hundred and forty three, including recruits. Lin- 
coln receives three hundred and thirty and McClellan thirteen votes. 
During this trip to Nashville we experience a thrilling sensation 
while passing over frail looking bridges crossing the Tennessee river 
and other streams. This sensation is anything but pleasing for the 
vibrating of these bridges is plainly noticed as our heavily loaded 
trains pass over them, one of which is said to be one hundred and 
seven feet above the bed of the stream. 




134 



CHAPTER VIII. 



NASHVILLE, TENN., TO CLIFFTON, TENN. 



On November 9, we again board a freight train and go south to 
Spring Hill, Tenn., and camp. On the tenth we remain here drying 
our clothing, tents and blankets, all of which were well soaked dur- 
ing our trip on the cars from Georgia, weather clear and warmer. 
On November twelfth we march southward on a scout to Columbia, 
Tenn., then about face and return to Spring Hill and go into camp. 
On November thirteenth we again march southward and go into camp 
on the banks of Duck river near Columbia. Our march is continued 
on the following morning a distance of about 18 miles and bivouac 
for the night at Lynnville, Tenn., then another march of about ten 
miles and go into camp at Pulaska, Tenn. 



PULASKA, TENNESSEE 



Here we settle down to regular housekeeping until November 22. 
Meanwhile we draw several showers, winding up with a snow storm 
accompanied by a piercing northwester. While the storm lasts we 
protect ourselves from these blasts by turning our backs to the wind 
and snow and when not on other duty find warmth while carrying rails 
and standing about our fires. In a few of the pup tents soldiers are 
seen piled up like pigs in a straw stack, but they haven't the straw; 
if they had they would be more comfortable. It is somewhat burden- 
some for the fellow on the underside but he makes no complaint, he 
is keeping warm and patiently endures the punishment. Ritchey de- 
clares this is much better than the hot marches through Georgia, 
because we are rid of flies, ticks and mosquitoes, deserted by all our 
pests except the old reliable gray back that is always found on duty. 
Boys are lamenting because Uncle Billy didn't take us with him 
down through the warm sunny south where we might march along by 
easy stages and live on the fat of the land. But little fighting to do 
and just enough exercise to keep one's joints limbered up. 

Quoting from Sherman's Memoirs, he says: "The cattle trains 
are getting so large that we find difficulty in driving them along. 
Thanksgiving day was generally observed by the troops, the army 
scorning chicken in the plentitude of turkey with which they sup- 
ply themselves. Vegetables of all kinds and in unlimited quan- 
tities, were at hand, and the soldiers gave thanks, as soldiers may 
and were merry as soldiers may be. In truth, so far as the grati- 
fication of the stomach goes, the troops are pursuing a continu- 
ous Thanksgiving." 

135 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Our scouts report that Hood's army is now encamped in northern 
Alabama preparing to raid Tennessee and possibly Kentucky and 
Ohio, while Sherman with his army of sixty thousand men is well on 
his way into the interior of the panic stricken Confederacy and 
lost to all the world except the enemy. Instead of following Sher- 
man, Hood with his reinforced army is heading northward with a 
force of about 55,000 men, and this looks like business for "we tins" 
and brings forth criticisms of Sherman's generalship from our brig- 
adier muskateer who sees disaster ahead and starts an argument. We 
are almost ready to agree with them. They again remind us that 
Sherman has left but about thirty thousand infantry and cavalry to 
battle Hood's forces of about double our number, for we now have 
but a portion of Twenty Third and Fourth Corps with fragments of 
other troops picked up from railroad guards, block houses and bridges 
scattered along the way. The outlook is rather gloomy and we are 
inclined to think that, perhaps, Smitty and Fritz may be wiser than 
they look. On November 22, we receive marching orders and fall 
back to Linnville, Tenn., where we camp after a hard day's march 
through mud. The weather is so miserably bad that many spend 
most of the night standing or sitting around camp fires and little at- 
tempt is made to lie down to sleep. Seely says: "Foxes have holes 
and birds of the air have nests, but us poor sons of Uncle Sam, have 
not where to lay our heads." 

At three o'clock on the following morning we fall in line for an- 
other movement but this is postponed until afternoon when we start 
on a forced march of about ten miles and, as usual, put in a good 
portion of the night standing about our fires. On November 24, we 
are called out before daylight and without breakfast we are making 
good time over sloppy roads, eating crackers and raw bacon in the 
meantime, as word passes along the line that the enemy is making an 
effort to get in our rear. This information works like magic in lim- 
bering up stiffened joints and awakens such a strong desire not to be 
trapped that a portion of this march is made on a dead run. Top 
speed is kept up until we are winded when we slow down to double 
quick step. The rattle of canteens, frying pans and other equipment 
almost drowns the voices of our oracles who again remind us that 
"I told you so." The crack of musketry is heard on another road 
leading to Columbia when we let on more steam and the halt, the 
weary and hungry forget their troubles and head off the enemy in 
time to see our cavalry falling back before the advancing rebel force. 
Before entering the village of Columbia our regiment and the One 
Hundredth Ohio are quickly deployed on the skirmish line and soon 
meet the enemy when a brisk fire is kept up through the remainder 
of the day and until after dark. Meanwhile our main forces are tak- 
ing a position in our rear. On the morning of November 25, we are 
relieved of picket duty and retire to the command. On November 
26, brisk firing is kept up on the skirmish line with cannonading in the 
afternoon, the enemy gradually driving our skirmish line back until 

136 



Footprints Through Dixie 

night when under cover of darkness our forces fall back across the 
river and take a position on a hill with our division in reserve. Hood 
with hiis entire army is now on our trail with a force doubling ours 
in number. The situation seems alarming and good generalship is 
now in demand to save the army from capture or destruction. We 
are getting plenty of hard usage every day without adding the tor- 
tures of rebel prisons. 

Smitty now admits that he has outgeneraled Sherman and pro- 
motes himself to major general. He says operations in the field have 
resulted just as he expected when we left Atlanta in pursuit of the 
rebel army. Yes, visions of diseaster again loom up before Smitty 
and Sherman receives another installment of long range criticism. 
Our hope now rests in "Pap" Thomas, the "Rock of Chickamauga," 
to get us out of this scrape. 

Sunday, November 27, we remain in our position and receive a 
severe shelling with an occasional solid shot from rebel batteries 
located on the opposite side of the river, but without serious damage. 
On November 28, we move out nearer the river and build fortifica- 
tions to protect the bridge. Meanwhile considerable firing is heard 
where the enemy is attempting to turn our flanks. In the evening 
the enemy attempts to cross the bridge in our front but is driven 
back. On November 29, the enemy opens out with batteries and keeps 
up a steady fire all day for the purpose, no doubt, of drawing our at- 
tention from his flank movements. During this storm of shot and 
shell we lie quietly in our works with guns capped and bayoneted in 
readiness but do it return fire, and lose twelve men in the reg- 
iment killed and wounded by exploding shell. Thus we put in the 
day to resist an attack the enemy probably had no intention of mak- 
ing for he is more interested in capturing us bodily, and placing 
forces in position for this purpose. 

As soon as darkness sets in we quietly evacuate our works and 
retreat on the Franklin pike. While on this march and near Spring- 
hill camp fires are seen both on our right and left, apparently less 
than a half mile distant. We are informed that these fires show the 
location of both wings of the rebel army that has placed itself in our 
rear and by reason of some oversight of the rebel commander he fails 
to close the gap through which we are making our escape. So near 
are they that rebel soldiers are plainly seen walking about the camp 
fires. Our officers warn us against loud talking and unnecssary 
noises. We hold our breath, muzzle the oracles and make our escape 
between these two jaws of the enemy, completing this night's march 
of about twenty miles reaching Franklin, Tenn., at daylight on the 
morning of November 30. 



137 



Footprints Through Dixie 
FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 



After a short rest and a shorter breakfast of cold lunch we begin 
active work building fortifications. Shovels, axes and picks are kept 
busy as the dirt flies. It is plainly seen that we cannot get away from 
the enemy which leaves us no choice between a fight or a foot race, 
so it's a fight or prison, perhaps both. Every man on the line is ex- 
pected to hold two of the enemy at bay or get licked for our promised 
reinforcements have not reached us. It seems that soon after leaving 
Springhill the enemy discovered our escape and sent cavalry on our 
trail crowding us so closely that we were lined up to give bat- 
tle in the open but they did not attack and our march was continued. 

When our defenses are completed at Franklin they form a semi- 
circle facing southward with flanks resting on the Harpeth river and 
within this enclosure rests our army and the village. While this 
work is under way our supply trains are crossing the river and mov- 
ing in the direction of Nashville. About noon reports reach us that 
rebel cavalry is attempting to cross the river on our flanks and is 
held back by our cavalry under General Wilson. The position of 
our regiment is on the front line with our company near the cotton 
gin. About four o'clock the enemy is seen forming lines directly in 
our front and the tug of war seems close at hand. For the first time 
since the beginning of the campaign we are fighting on the defensive 
and occupy the favorite side of the fortification, hoping to even up 
matters for the trap we were lured into at Utoy Creek, Ga. With a 
clear open field fronting us with no obstruction in the way except 
two brigades of the Fourth Corps placed there to watch the enemy 
movements, and who through some mistake or violation of orders 
fail to fall back until the enemy is almost upon them. 

About 4 o'clock rebel artillery begin throwing shot and shell at 
our works, many passing over our heads and landing in or beyond the 
village, while rebel infantry is advancing in massed columns with 
colors flying and bugles sounding, with one massed portion of forces 
directing its course toward the cotton gin building where we are lo- 
cated. Meanwhile the enemy is closing gaps in line made by charges 
from our artillery located on the heights north of the village and 
river. On the rebel columns come as though marching out on dress 
parade until nearing our advanced line when the latter fire one volley 
into the enemy. The enemy bugles sound the charge and our two 
brigades of the Fourth now overwhelmed in number give way and all 
break into a run with the yelling rebels closely following. When 
these retreating forces reach our line the howling enemy is close 
upon their heels and our men come pell-mell over our works and 
through the opening at the pike. As these men come over we fire our 
first volley into a solid mass of the enemy when a sheet of flame 
belches from muskets and charges of grape and cannister from our 
artillery checked the rebel advance, leaving the grounds fronting us 
strown with dead and wonded. Many of these retreating Union 

138 



Footprints Through Dixie 

forces now take refuge in our works from where they are ordered 
back for we are too much crowded to do effective work. This order 
throws the line in confusion, some taking this for an order to abandon 
the position. In the meantime the enemy rallies forces and with sup- 
porting columns now make a second assault, mounting the works and 
pour a volley of musketry upon our heads while others rush like an 
avalanche through the opening of our defense at the pike, turning our 
flank and penetrating our lines at this point. The enemy onslaught 
with overpowering numbers drives our company and three others, 
also a portion of the regiment on our right, from the works, captur- 
ing a battery and many prisoners. The enemy now holds a por- 
tion of the line while we who are driven from our defenses find 
refuge in our second line of defense and behind the cotton gin. 
The enemy now form lines and advance upon our second line when 
General Cox orders our supports forward in a counter charge and 
the enemy is met by this reserve force and men who have rallied 
after being forced from position at the second assault. The murder- 
ous struggle that follows this meeting of the two forces is indescrib- 
able. Officers on both sides urging their men to greater effort are 
seen fighting with swords, revolvers, clubbed musket, bayonets, axes 
and anything at hand until the enemy is forced back beyond the pos- 
ition held for a short time. We now have possession of our de- 
fences and while the enemy outside is rallying his forces to renew 
the attack, his ranks are rapidly melting away before our musketry, 
grape and cannister. Amid the smoke and darkness setting in rebel 
officers repeatedly rally their forces only to be beaten back, in the 
meantime continue firing from the field fronting us. The enemy fire 
gradually weakens until it almost ceases when rebel soldiers taking 
cover in the ditch call out surrender and come in as prisoners, leav- 
ing the ditch well filled with dead and wounded. Many of these 
brave Confederates are Kentuckians and Tennesseeans now hoping 
to reach their homes and are fighting as they never fought before. 
Knowing that we are greatly outnumbered they enter upon this as- 
sault with well grounded hopes of success, yelling like demons while 
making these assaults and confident of victory at the onset. Cap- 
tain Carter, a resident of this village is killed near his door step and 
other residents of the village and vicinity are killed, wounded or 
captured near their homes. Blue and gray clad bodies are now strewn 
over the ground on our side of the fortifications and by the flash of 
our guns, boys in gray are seen almost covering the ground for some 
distance outside, yet it seems almost a miracle that so many could 
escape the deadly rain of shot and shell that poured into their massed 
columns as they reformed their lines and made these assaults. About 
two hundred Confederate soldiers of the Sixteenth Alabama came in 
over the works fronting our regiment as prisoners and inform us that 
their brigade is almost destroyed. 

The rebels finally abandon their effort to again break our line at 
this point and after all becomes reasonably quiet our regiment is sent 

139 



Footprints Through Dixie 

out on a reconnoissance. We carefully pick our way over dead arrd 
mangled Conferedates a half mile or more but find no enemy in force 
except the fallen ones from whom agonizing cries and pleas for help 
are heard from all parts of the field. Failing to locate the enemy we 
return to the line and soon hear heavy musketry and cannonading on 
our right accompanied by the well know rebel yell where the Con- 
federates again fail to break our lines and are beaten back after an- 
other heavy loss inflicted by Kimball's Division of the Fourth Corps. 
The enemy now seem to turn attention to executing a flank move- 
ment leaving but a skirmish line to attract our attention while his 
main force is attempting to cross the river to cut off our retreat to 
Nashville. 

During this engagement our division capture twenty-two stands 
of the enemy colors, six of which are captured by our regiment. The 
loss in our regiment is about seventy men, killed, wounded and cap- 
tured, about one-fifth of the men on duty. Company "B" losing one 
killed, five wounded and two captured. George Haynam is killed at 
the second assault when the enemy mounted our breastworks and 
fired down upon our heads. 

Ephraim Hostetter of Paris township is wounded and returns 
to the company for duty in a few weeks, where he remains until 
the close of the war having served his entire term of enlistment 
except this short absence. 

Walter Walker of Paris township is severely wounded and on 
recovery is transferred to the Reserve Corps where he remains 
until the close of the war after 28 months of faithful duty in the 
ranks. 

Owen Stackhouse is wounded and returns to the company in 
two weeks. Two other members of the company are slightly 
wounded which does not disable them. 

John Stahl of Marlboro is captured and while under escort of 
rebel guards he escapes near Columbia, Tenn., but is recaptured 
finally reaching Andersonville prison, where he remains until 
Sherman's raid through Georgia. The enemy finding it impos- 
sible to remove all prisoners, he with others are turned loose to 
shift for themselves. Shoeless, hatless and with barely clothes to 
hide their nakedness they finally reach the federal lines. Stahl is 
discharged near the close of the war on surgeon's certificate of 
physical disability, after service in the ranks of twenty-eight 
months and five months prisoner of war. He is now one of the 13 
survivors. 

George Haynam's body is found and buried in a shallow grave 
near the cotton gin from where it is afterwards removed and sent 
home for burial as noted elsewhere. 

We are fortunate in having good breastworks thus saving many 
lives by reason of this protection and no time was lost during the 
construction of this line of defense. Though weak and weary after 
our night march, picks, axes and shovels were kept busy. 

While all is reasonably quiet in our front a few boys crawl 
through our fortifications and do what is possible to relieve the 
fallen enemy who are crying out in pitiful tones for help. After giv- 
ing what assistance we can (which is but little) and not caring to 
longer expose ourselves to occasional shots coming in, we return, 

140 



Footprints Through Dixie 

after relieving a dead Confederate officer of a fine English made 
leather haversack containing a few biscuit. 

At the first assault General Adams leading his brigade of Ala- 
bama troops leaps the ditch fronting our defenses and while urging 
his men forward the general and his horse is killed, the horse falling 
upon the works and the general's body falling forward among our 
soldiers. General Cleburne's body is found riddled with bullets a 
short distance in front of our position. General Brown, commanding 
a division of rebels together with his four brigade commanders are 
all killed or wounded. 

The scene during and after these assaults is one that cannot be 
forgotten by any who witnessed the result of this deadly conflict. 
The field in our front, clear of obstruction at a considerable distance, 
forms a bloody background to the thousands of dead and mangled 
gray clad bodies strewn over its surface and the pitiful appeals that 
continue to reach our ears from all points of the field is heartrend- 
ing. 

Schmucker's History of the Civil War says : "The battle of Frank- 
lin had been one of the severest for the time occupied and the number 
of troops engaged, in the annals of war. Hood reported it as a vic- 
tory on his part, but it was a victory dearly bought and almost ruin- 
ous in its losses. His killed numbered seventeen hundred and fifty; 
his wounded three thousand eight hundred; seven hundred and two of 
his officers and men were captured, making his losses six thousand 
two hundred and fifty two. Among the killed, were Major General 
Cleburne and five brigadier generals, Williams, Adams, Gist, Strahl 
and Granbury, with Generals Carter, Mainigalt, Quarles. Cockerel and 
Scott wounded, and General Gordon captured. The Union losses were 
one hundred and eighty nine killed, one thousand and thirty three 
wounded and one thousand one hundred and four missing. The Union 
troops captured thirty three stands of colors and seven hundred and 
two prisoners. The Union army was compelled to leave their slain 
and severely wounded upon the field, but these were cared for by the 
people of Franklin." 

Rhodes History of the Civil War says: "Hood smarting under 
his disappointment at his failure to capture the Union army at Spring- 
hill now girds himself for a last supreme effort to retrieve his fail- 
ure on the preceding day. He gave orders to drive the Union army 
into the Harpeth river or destroy it, and at no time during the war 
did men fight more fiercely or bravely than did the Conferedates at 
this desperate frontal attack. The assault began at four o'clock p. m. 
The Confederates gained a temporary advantage but were repulsed 
with a terrible loss of six thousand, with five generals killed, six 
wounded and one captured; also twenty three colonels, eleven lieu- 
tenant colonels, ten majors and nine captains killed, wounded and 
missing. Two brigades were left with captains as ranking officers." 
About two-thirds of the contending army forces were engaged in this 
conflict, the remained being held in reserve. 

141 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Headley's History of the War says of Franklin: "The enemy gat 
possession of the first line of works, though at terrible sacrifice. At 
sunset General Cox reformed his lines and advanced when the bat- 
tle assumed a savage ferocity. The rebels, though cannister and shot 
of nearby batteries cut frightful lanes through their ranks, refused to 
yield the ground so gallantly won. A gladiatorial contest followed in* 
which the combatants stood face to face thrusting bayonets into each 
other — with clubbed musket and demonical yells fought in the deep- 
ening twilight more like savages than civilized men." 

Soon after dark fire breaks out in buildings near our works. 
Men are set at work to subdue the flames or tear down the buildings. 
It is believed these buildings were fired by rebel citizens or prisoners 
to enable Hood to watch our movements for he is no doubt aware 
that we will get out of Franklin as soon as possible. Before mid- 
night the burning buildings are consumed or torn down and our 
wagon trains and artillery having crossed the river, we quietly evac- 
uate our works and cross the river in retreat toward Nashville, burn- 
ing the bridge behind us. 

A detail of pickets is left in our abandoned works to make a show 
of resistance. Our dead and many of our wounded are left on the 
field where they fall into the hands of the enemy, for we have all we 
can do to save ourselves from capture or destruction. We hear the 
rebels are crossing the river on our flanks hoping to cut off retreat 
to Nashville, while our pickets are keeping up a steady fire as we 
quietly fall back, leaving the pickets with scant hope of escaping 
death or tortures of rebel prison. During the remainder of the night 
of November 30, rebel cavalry is crowding our rear capturing worn- 
out soldiers who fall by the roadside and are overlooked by our rear 
guard. We havn't had an undisturbed night's rest since encountering 
the enemy at Columbia on November 24. This experience with the 
mental and physical strain since that date has exhausted the entire 
army. At the slighest halt on the lines, soldiers drop along the road- 
side heedless of danger from capture, that rest and sleep may be 
found. How long can we stand this drive? Yet with faltering step 
we go on and on feeling that each step will be the last, continuing 
on until near morning when we file into a resting place at the road- 
side and drop to the cold ground supperless and exhausted in mind 
and body. From the time the river is crossed until we halt for this 
short rest, events of the past few hours seem as a horrible dream. 
Boys declared they had slept while marching and in their vague 
dreams again hear the turmoil of battle, the clashing of steel ming- 
led with voices urging men in the strife. They again hear agonizing 
appeals coming from gray clad boys whose voices grow weaker and 
weaker until relief is found in death. All is silent as we stagger 
along each reviewing events of the past few hours with echoes of 
strife ringing in our ears. Not until the next day can we fully realize 
this experience, and that two thousand soldiers lie dead on the field 
we just abandoned and double this number of wounded and dying are 

142 



Footprints Through Dixie 

scattered over the field, many of whom might he saved if timely aid 
could be given. 

At four o'clock on the morning of December 1, we are allowed 
this short rest until sunrise when we are again formed in line to con- 
tinue the retreat to Nashville and are not given time to prepare a 
warm breakfast. While waiting orders to move we patronize a sut- 
ler who has pitched his tent by the roadside and is doing a rushing 
business. On arrival at Nashville our forces move in and form lines 
on the south side of the city each regiment making display of rebel 
flags captured at Franklin and though tired and worn after our escape 
from what for a time, seemed to be almost certain disaster to our lit- 
tle force, all are happy over the terrible punishment we have dealt 
the enemy. Here we find reinforcements under General A. J. Smith 
with a portion of the Sixteenth Corps which, with other troops gath- 
ered from various points we now have an army equal in number to 
the enemy, the latter having lost something like six thousand soldiers 
•during the past twenty-four hours. 

After locating on the line we prepare breakfast of coffee and 
crackers to which is added a few extras purchased from the sutler 
and find that our slice of cheese has been placed to soak in a mess of 
blood that had found its way in the outside pocket of the rebel haver- 
sack We scrape this away as much as possible taking care not to 
waste too much cheese yet enjoy this breakfast, the first satisfactory 
meal we have had since leaving Columbia. 

December 3, our regiment moves into a small fort in support of a 
battery located on the right of the Columbia pike, with Ft. Negley on 
our left. The enemy now appears in our front and in places can be 
seen forming lines and building fortifications while skirmishing is 
heard along the lines and cannonading on our right where gunboats 
are said to be shelling the enemy's cavalry to prevent crossing the 

river. T . 

Captain B.'s contraband cook now makes his appearance. L/.ge 
disappeared immediately after the first shell exploded over his head 
at Franklin. Lige is a philosophical coon. When taken to task by 
the captain he declared he was dressing a chicken for the captain and 
was "boun' and 'termined dat de rebs was nevah gwine to get dat 
fowl Anyhow l's not lookin' fob no grave ya'd nor hospital. Cook- 
in's my 'fession, not fightin'. I doan draw no pay foh fightin' and I 
neval butts into udder people's business, nohow." But Lige had no 
"fowl" on hands at the time he disappeared but had bought (0 
chicken to present to the captain as a peace offering. 

December 1, William Haynam of Paris township is detailed 
for a short term of guard duty at headquarters. With the excep- 
tion of this short absence he serves Ins entire term of enlistment 
on du'y with the company and is mustered out at the close of the 
war after faithful service of over thirty three months. 

At last Smitty has realized on his forbodings of disaster and vis- 
ions of Andersonville again loom up before him for he is now on his 
way to that abode where they who enter leave but little hope behind. 

143 




'Not lookin' foh no grave yahd' 



Footprints Through Dixie 

The order of detail for duty happened to be in the S's and Smitty 
and Stahl draw the prize. They are detailed for picket duty to re- 
main in the works at Franklin to keep up a show of resistance while 
we abandon the field leaving them to their fate. The boys are made 
a sacrifice that we may be saved and to make their position more 
hazardous we burn the bridge behind us leaving them to die in the 
trenches or take their chances in rebel prisons. They are types of 
the hardy and dutiful boys who are fighting to save the Union. Smitty 
has not been disappointed in receiving his full share of trouble, hav- 
ing passed through famines at "Valley Forge" and the siege of Knox- 
ville Term., severely wounded in Georgia and now a prisoner. 1 hen 
to add to these troubles after release from prisone he is scalded in 
the Sultana explosion and picked up while floating down the Miss- 
issippi river. Before leaving the burning vessel he is said to have 
remained on deck throwing wreckage to comrades struggling in the 
water until the burning vessel forces him to leap overboard. 

Disabled for further duty he is discharged near the close of the 
war and dies a few years after, thus paying a penalty for duties well 
performed. 

December 7, 1864, I visit friends belonging to the Thirty Fifth 
Iowa regiment in the Sixteenth Corps, under command of General 
A J Smith the reinforcements we have been looking for and so sore- 
ly needed during the past two weeks. The enemy fronting us ad- 
vance a strong line of skirmishers driving our skirmishers back some 
distance then retires, he probably being out on this scout to get a 
line on the positions of our forces. The weather is cold and snow 
flying. Fuel is scarce and our muslin sleeping apartments give but 
little protection and shelter. 

On December 8, I am sent with a squad of men to the picket line 
where we take position at a large brick residence now abandoned 
by its owner. All is quiet along the line. The rebel pickets wave a 
white flag and we respond. About a dozen rebels and Yanks leave their 
guns and meet between the lines where each enjoy a friendly visit 
with the enemy. The rebels put on a bold front and tell us they ex- 
pect to enjoy the hospitalities of friends in Nashville in a few days 
and we promise them another warm reception. We know they are 
despondent for all are haggard and worn, are poorly equipped and 
look as though they might be clothed in some of the garments our 
forces wore at Strawberry Plains, Tenn. They tell us You ns 11 soon 
be drove back to the Ohio river or captured." We roast the John- 
nies about our slippery dodge at Springhill and the hard jolt they 
were given at Franklin. After passing a little coffee to these rebs in 
exchange for twist tobacco the truce ends and both sides go under 
cover. 

On December 9, we are relieved and return to camp and find the 
ground a glare of ice and snow is falling. On December 13 accom- 
panied by a comrade we slip the guard to visit the city and while tak- 
ing in the sights and dodging patrol guards we finally dodge right 

145 



Footprints Through Dixie 

into the clutches of patrols who demand our passes. Partner now be- 
gins a search for our pass (?) and after going through his pocket a 
third time he informs the patrol that he must have lost it, but the 
story don't go with the patrol and we are marched off to the Zolli- 
coffer House in spite of our protests and the many unpleasant vocal 
shots we fire at them. They are new recruits and can't be bribed or 
bullied. For several hours we occupy quarters filled with bounty 
jumpers, deserters and other crooks. But we finally get a hearing by 
the officer in charge who doubts our story yet releases us and camp 
is reached in time for roll call. 

On December 14, the weather moderates leaving our quarters a 
mass of mud and water. During the day General Thomas and staff 
visit our company quarters and from this high point carefully ex- 
amines the location of the emeny lines and the lay of the land be- 
tween the contending armies. 

Here is an opportunity for Fritz who is now urged by the boys 
to give the General a few pointers on how to conduct the coming bat- 
tle, then Fritz tells the boys where to go. 

We now have a hint that something will be doing soon and this 
is confirmed when orders are issued to prepare for a movement on the 
following morning. Guns and equipment are placed in order and ra- 
tions are issued. On December 15, we are in line at an early hour and 
march a short distance to the rear where our movements are hidden 
from the enemy by intervening hills. 

We now move to the right and when passing exposed positions we 
stoop low carrying arms at a trail. Heavy musketry and artillery 
firing is heard on the left of our line with loud cheering indicating 
that our forces are assaulting the enemy line. We are taking a 
position on the right of our lines next to the cavalry with which we 
now co-operate to turn the enemy left wing and take a position not 
far from the Granny White pike where we build rifle pits. On the 
following morning we are ordered to be in readiness with bayonets 
fixed to move on the enemy position at a moment's notice. Looking 
back toward the city we see house tops covered with citizens watch- 
ing movements of the contending armies. The state house roof and 
tower are covered with people anxiously and patiently waiting to wit- 
ness the battle, the result of which will be bitter disappointment to 
many of these witnesses. We now hear the well known rebel yell on 
our left or near the center of the lines which tell us that our forces are 
meeting strong resistance at that point. Our brigade has been standing 
in this position waiting orders until afternoon when word comes that 
our cavalry has turned the enemy left and is creating great disturb- 
ance in the rebel rear. We are now ordered over our defenses and 
command is given to assault the enemy position. Before us lies a 
corn field on a steep hillside and in this soft earth we sink shoe top 
deep in mud while making way through the field leaving many shoes 
sticking fast in the mud. We arrive at the base of a steep and stony 
hill oin top of which the enemy is entrenched with several savage 

146 



Footprints Through Dixie 

looking cannon rapidly firing shot and shell over our heads and in the 
direction of their friends on the housetops. Here we stop to get our 
second wind and then go up this steep hill with lusty cheers and soon 
get possession of one of the enemy batteries. Then pushing forward 
we get possession of another battery the enemy is trying to save. 
Johnnies are wild and bewildered for our cavalry is peppering them 
briskly on flank and rear and they are at a loss to know which way 
to turn. Many of the rebel infantry who have been supporting the 
rebel batteries throw down their guns and surrender. 

The captured guns are turned and fired at the fleeing rebels, who 
are now reported to be in retreat along the line. Here we capture 
about 200 prisoners, several stand of colors and eight pieces of artil- 
lery. Four of the latter and two stands of colors are captured by our 
regiment. In this charge the loss in the regiment was less than a 
dozen men. Prisoners are taken without much trouble for many of 
the Tennessee and Kentucky Confederate soldiers are ready to quit 
for all hope of winning the "sacred cause" is gone. Among these 
prisoners is noticed a very long and lean Georgian, quite seven feet 
tall, sockless and whose shoes and pants do not connect by at least 
six inches. His hairy shins have gathered considerable mud which 
has worked itself into a form of "bugle trimming" that must afford 
some protection during this wintry weather. He stands head and 
shoulders above surrounding comrades and good naturedly "lows that 
a few more killin's like Franklin and the southern cause will de done 
gone." 

The enemy is now dislodged all along the line and reported in 
full retreat. On December 17, we start out in pursuit through a cold 
rain, wading mud and water on the torn up pikes and roads, while 
our cavalry is encouraging the enemy in its flight toward the inter- 
ior of Dixie, making frequent charges gathering in hundreds of pris- 
oners and deserters, compelling Hood to abandon much of his artil- 
lery and supply wagons left sticking in the mire. The roads are now 
in such bad condition that it is almost impossible to make headway; 
even our cavalry finding it difficult to get along with speed. Over 
these roads we continue the march and while passing along after dark- 
ness sets in we are delayed by coming in contact with mired and 
abondoned artillery and wagons, with cut traces showing that the 
enemy were hard pressed in an effort to escape. Luckless soldiers 
fall in these holes and deep cuts and before they are able to get out 
others fall upon them. Though weary and worn no complaint is 
heard for all now feel that the war will soon be over and Ritchey ex- 
presses another fear of losing his "steady job" and declares that the 
"walkin' is fine." 

In the darkness no one undertakes to crack Ritchey over his head 
with a gun barrel for fear of injuring innocent comrads. While wal- 
lowing along through mud and water, in immitation of the Katydid's 
monotone voice the cry of "Granny White, Granny White, Granny 
White Pike" is passing along the line as far as voices can be heard. 

148 



Footprints Through Dixie 

It now begins to rain and after a march of about six miles we camp 
near this pike. On the morning of December 18, rations are issued 
and the march is continued southward passing another day marching 
in mud and water and around obstructions left fast in the mire by the 
retreating enemy. During this day's march we repeat our experience 
of yesterday and long after dark camp in an open field after march- 
ing about twelve miles. Tramping over this field in search of fuel 
and water soon converts our camping grounds into a bed of mortar. 
Blazing rail fires are soon started and supper is prepared and served 
from the usual bill of fare. We are a mass of mud to our knees with 
feet cold and soaking wet. A number of boys go to a stream nearby 
where they jump into the cold water wading up and down the stream 
until a portion of the mud is washed away then stand by the fires 
until dry or lie down on rails or brush mattresses to rest and sleep. 
Many stand by the fires and dry themselves with mud clinging to 
them leaving the dry earth to wear away in time. In civil life this 
kind of experience is expected to kill, but we now seem to be disease 
proof and thoroughly hardened to the miseries of war. 

In spite of this rough treatment all are in a happy mood over the 
situation and our success during the past two days. The enemy has 
surely made the last stand in Tennessee and our cavalry is pressing 
the retreating forces sending an almost constant stream of prisoners 
passing us on their way to northern prisons where they will receive 
better care and treatment than they have been accustomed to, while 
our boys in Andersonville and other southern prisons are starving 
and dying by hundreds. 

Detailed for picket tonight. Hard luck but the duty must be per- 
formed, though all are tired and worn, yet happy withal. Picket is 
found asleep at his post but not reported by corporal who makes the 
discovery. The picket is tired, sore and sleepy and the enemy on the 
run so the safety of the army is not endangered by a neglect of duty. 

So elated are all over our success that we unite in praising "Pap" 
Thomas for his great victory and saving the army from disaster. It's 
noisy time in the ranks with all except Yonie and Fritz, whose guns 
are silenced and they really seem to be disappointed, while other boys 
are trying to get a hearing and are too busy to listen to the other 
fellow. When Yonie and Fritz's signs and predictions fail they keep 
very quiet but the other boy's don't for they are now saying many 
unpleasant things reminding these strategists of past sins and unful- 
filled predictions. Among other things they remind Yonie of his coon 
story related some time ago. Hunting was a favorite sport at our 
homes and many adventures are related as we march along. After 
a number have given experience along this line Yonie produces a 
story that the boys call "a corker," and all surrender and pass the belt 
to Yonie. Boys also remind Fritz of the time he invested the entire 
proceeds of a winter's catch of pelts in a coon dog, by asking him 
what, in his opinion, a good coon dog is worth in pelts or cash, and 
points one should observe in selecting a good animal, breed, age 

149 



Footprints Through Dixie 

color, etc. Then Fritz extends the usual invitation and tells his tor- 
mentors where to go. The animal referred to as having been pur- 
chased by Fritz was recommended by the owner to be a fine animal 
and an excellent coon dog. On his way home Fritz stopped at the 
homes of a number of neighbor friends to whom he proudly showed 
his new purchase and invited the boys to call around that night to 
give the dog a try out. The boys were on hand promptly but it was 
soon found that the dog took no interest whatever in hunting coons 
or anything else and insisted on keeping right close to the hunters' 
heels. Sorely disappointed and vexed at the torments inflicted by his 
companions, he visits the former owner of the dog and asked an ex- 
planation. "Now really" says the man, "I am much surprised for I 
have always believed that everything was created for some useful pur- 
pose. For two years I haved owned this dog and tried in every other 
way and he never was worth a d — for anything else and for this I 
reasoned he must be an excellent coon dog." 

Boys torment Yonie and Fritz so much today their voices are 
thrown out of gear, yet they tell us to wait awhile before blowing so 
much, reminding us that the "war is not all over already." 

Our sympathies go out to Smitty and Stahl who have probably 
been assigned quarters in a hole in the ground at Andersonville prison 
and all are hoping these dutiful and hardy soldiers who have stood 
up under two years of hard knocks will weather the tortures of prison 
life. Unfortunately Smitty has found what he has been looking for, 
not imaginary troubles this time but the unadulterated article and 
plenty of it. We continue praises for "Pap" Thomas who has deliv- 
ered us from a desperate situation and turned threatened disaster 
into a grand victory ; the man who saved our army at Chickamauga 
and never lost a battle, and now with an unorganized army turns on 
his antagonist at Nashville and drives him out of the state with a loss 
to the enemy of about one third his army and equipment. Smitty is 
probably laying his troubles to Sherman's bad generalship. But Smitty 
is not alone in his criticisms for we occasionally see letters from 
home written by people condemning Lincoln because our soldiers are 
dying and suffering in rebel prisons. In fact all the ills that now be- 
fall the country is, in their opinion due to the weak administration 
of the "Illinois railsplitter" and the War Department. "Crazy Bill 
Sherman" and "Useless Slaughter Grant" share with the president 
the abuse of cranks and copperheads of the north who declare that 
"after four years the war has proved to be a failure" and demand 
peace at any price. These calamity howlers are claiming that the 
country is going to destruction and have gained such a strong fol- 
lowing in the north that but for the soldier vote at the last election 
Lincoln might have been defeated for he lost three loyal states and 
carried a number of others by very small majorities. 

Villages throughout the north are infested with a class of rear 
generals who are wasting their time and talents at the corner grocery. 
Here seated on a mackerel keg and armed with Sampson's favorite 

150 




Rear General in Action 

After enumerating many mistakes of Lincoln and Stanton he 
draws battle lines showing "the exact spot where Hooker made a 
mistake" while the amber fluid from his pipe stem leaves traces of 
battle lines upon the floor. 



Footprints Through Dixie 

weapon of warfare these critics and croakers are explaining the whys 
and wherefores of failure in the field and war department. With the 
steam of his pipe the ranking village general may be seen tracing 
out battle lines showing the exact spot where Hooker and other gen- 
erals have made mistakes. Company "B" has its strategists who are 
not altogether satisfied with the way the war is conducted, yet these 
boys are performing faithful service in defense of the Union and en- 
joy listening to sound of their own voices; only smooth bores firing 
harmless blank catridges. 

Washington and his patriots while struggling for independence 
had their tories, traitors and critics, types that are now endeavoring 
to discredit Lincoln and his cabinet and will probably follow down 
the years to pester any administration so unfortunate as to have a 
war on its hands. 

Many of Lincoln's critics are old time agitators, so radical in 
their anti-slavery sentiment as to advocate separation of the Union 
because of slavery, yet are seldom known to shoulder a musket in 
behalf of the down trodden race. 

With all these croakers, misfit generals, crooked contractors, 
office seekers, income tax dodgers and so on, giving Lincoln un- 
told trouble, he has expressed a wish to exchange places with 
some private soldier in the ranks. When this wish becomes known 
Fritz is urged by the boys to open correspondence with the President 
and take the job off his hands. We think Fritz can take care of the 
situation and dispose of these pests by talking them to death after 
a few rounds, for Fritz is a poor listener and seldom hears any voice 
except his own, but he refuses to heed the boys advice and tells them 
to go to the same old place. 

Amid all these hardships and dangers frequent badgering, argu- 
ments or quarrels can be depended upon. Forgetful of our own in- 
firmities we do not forget to remind others of" real or imaginary 
shortcomings they are supposed to possess. If a starter is needed 
Ritchey is always on duty. Like boys in a family we have our dis- 
putes and quarrels but these are soon forgotten and all are ever read}' 
to care for comrades in distress or when imposed upon by anyone 
outside the family. 

Many rebel prisoners are being escorted to the rear by our caval- 
ry and will now "enjoy the hospitality of friends in Nashville," but 
as prisoners of war. Hospitality is a ruling passion with southern 
people that is sometimes extended to the enemy. 

While on patrol duty in Knoxville a negro cook, belonging to an 
aristocractic family who departed for the interior of Dixie when we 
occupied that city, was asked to bake us a pan of biscuit. The cook 
informed us that the lady in charge did not love yanks but he would 
see her and much to our surprise he was ordered to prepare the bis- 
cuit. When we called we found the cook and lady awaiting at the 
door where we received the biscuits and offered payment. Here was 

152 



Footprints Through Dixie 

the opportunity that may have inspired her generosity for instantly 
the fire flashed from her eyes and all she said about "avaricious and 
mercenary Yankees" surely covered the entire ground. To insult a 
southerner by offering payment for hospitable treatment was more 
than this dignified spinster would tolerate without resentment, all 
of which was plainly shown in a withering tirade delivered on the 
spot. We didn't have our dicionaries with us but gussed that what- 
ever was meant was not complimentary. But a hungry soldier with a 
pan of warm biscuit in his haversack will stand up under a great deal 
of this kind of punishment and willingly take more biscuit at the 
price. 

December 19, we remain in camp a short time and all are busy 
cleaning up and writing letters home for this is the only opportunity 
we have had to write since leaving Nashville. Evenings before tattoo 
is often spent in letter writing and we seldom neglect this duty for 
folks at home are alway anxious to hear from us more especially after 
a battle. 

A piece of candle, with bayonet sticking in the ground for a can- 
dlestick, affords a little light for the purpose. Sometimes we are out 
of stamps and in this emergency the following is added to the ad- 
dress on the letter — 

"Postmaster please to pass this through, 
I've nary a cent, but three months due." 

The postmaster seems to accept this rhyme in good faith and 
sends the letter through for he does not believe a soldier will lie — 
for three cents. 

At the fall of Atlanta we hoped and believed that war in the west 
was about ended, that we might reach our homes in a short time, but 
fortunately or unfortunately for us, "Heaven from all creatures hides 
the book of fate." Had we known of the ordeal through which we 
were fated to pass during the second Georgia campaign these hopes 
would have vanished. We have stood up under a severe physical 
test during the past eighteen months and are now apparently hard- 
ened to meet any demand. 

It looks as though there will be no more fighting in the south and 
southwest for Hood has surely abandoned this field of operation. 
We now have an army in the west of about forty thousand men and 
no enemy in Tennessee and Kentucky except a few scattering bands 
that are being taken care of by our cavalry. All are guessing what 
will come next, .and the subject is being discussed in the ranks. Some 
of the boys think we will settle down for a rest and remain here 
until the Potomac army completes it work in Virginia. Others say 
we will march to that state and co-operate with the Army of the 
Potomac to finish up the job. Boys continue to torment our military 
strategists who have so miserably failed in their predictions of dis- 
aster since "Sherman deserted us." They come back with the argu- 
ment that only the wise generalship of "Pap Thomas," the greatest 

154 



Footprints Through Dixie 

general in the army" saved us from ending our term of service in 
rebel prisons." Perhaps they are right. 

On the afternoon of December 19, we move forward a few miles 
and camp a short distance outside the village of Franklin. A detail 
of men is sent to the battlefield of November 30, where we fi.-d our 
dead have been stripped of clothing and bodies thrown in benches 
under a light covering of earth. Recent rains had washed away much 
of this covering leaving portions of the bodies exposed. Without 
clothing many of these bloated and discolored dead cannot be iden- 
tified except by tattoo marks found on a few of them. Fragments of 
blankets, canvas tents and clothing is found in which these bodies 
are wrapped and buried with the honors of war. Wooden head- 
boards are placed at the graves marked with names of "unknown." 
Here we find that the enemy in his hasty retreat has left nearly all 
the wounded of both armies to fall into our hands, and these are be- 
ing cared for by rebel surgeons and citizens of Franklin. 

We find the enemy has buried his dead in rows not far from the 
village where we counted nearly eighteen hundred graves and are 
informed by citizens that a number of the Confederate dead had been 
removed b} r friends, so the enemy loss must have been nearly two 
thousand. Coming, as they did in solid masses when making their 
assaults it seemed almost impossible to miss unless guns were 
aimed too high. 

December 21. Sent out on the picket line passing through this 
field of death where about two thousand men sleep 
"Under the sod and the dew. 
Waiting the judgement day, 
Under the one the blue, 
Under the other the gray." 

Soon after establishing our line the assembly call is heard in 
camp. The army soon passes through the picket line when we are 
ordered to fall in as rear guard and we leave behind us a memory of 
one of the most deadly battles of the war with its struggles and its 
moans of the maimed and dying. 

After a march of about fifteen miles we camp near Springhill 
where we narrowly escaped capture about three weeks ago. On De- 
cember 22, we remain in camp and draw rations, also a storm of rain 
and snow. On December 23, our march is continued to Columbia, 
Tenn., where we first encountered the enemy after an exciting foot 
race. Here we remain until December 26. Meantime bunky and I 
have a chicken stew for Christmas dinner. We cross Duck river and 
camp about two miles from the village and on the following day 
move to a more suitable location. Here we fix up our quarters as 
comfortably as possible and hear that "Uncle Billie" has reached 
Savannah, Georgia, and says he has been making "Rome howl" on his 
long trip while feasting on the fat of the Confederacy. From there 

155 



Footprints Through Dixie 

Sherman wires President Lincoln, offering the City of Savannah as 
a Christmas present. 

It now seems that the chase after Hood is abandoned by our in- 
fantry forces but our cavalry continues the pursuit gathering in hun- 
dreds of prisoners and deserters. Kentucky and Tennessee Confed- 
erate soldiers are now going to their homes while the going is good 
and the cause for which they have been fighting is hopeless, the strife 
is ended for them. They are deserting or giving themselves up as 
prisoners, and to use their own expression, they don't want to engage 
in any more "killin's." 

With the heavy odds against us we surely escaped capture or 
destruction by a narrow chance at the battle of Franklin and our safe 
withdrawal was a triumph for General Thomas. Our defeat there 
meant the loss of Nashville and an open field for a northern raid by 
the enemy, and probable prolonging of the war. 

History gives the result of our three days operation at Franklin 
and Nashville, as follows: — Eighteen Confererate generals killed, 
wounded and captured, about fifteen thousand prisoners and desert- 
ers, seventy-two pieces of artillery, hundreds of wagons, mules and 
horses, thirty stands of colors and their dead number over two thous- 
and, or a total loss of about one-third of Hood's army and equipment. 
The completeness of our victory, all things considered, has not been 
equalled in battle since the beginning of the war. Hood's army is de- 
stroyed for further service in the west and the war outside of Vir- 
ginia is practically ended. We have prevented the enemy from mak- 
ing the threatened northern raid and General Thomas has saved Sher- 
man from criticism for leaving fragments of his army to contend with 
the same forces that have been fighting Sherman's entire army during 
the past eight months. Yet while floundering through darkness, mud 
and mire for three days and doing all that human effort could do to 
destroy Hood's army, we are told that General Hallock from his easy 
chair in Washington is urging Thomas with despatches to make 
greater effort against the enemy, and Grant criticises Thomas for not 
defeating the enemy at Franklin or Columbia. 

Boys now vote "Pap" Thomas the greatest general in the army 
and as freely "cuss" Hallock, while the oracles who have a grudge 
against Sherman for "deserting us" are critcising the latter general 
with his army of sixty thousand for allowing ten thousand rebel sol- 
diers to escape at Savannah, Georgia. 

Since the beginning of the war all eyes and interests seem to be 
centered upon operations in Virginia and along the Potomac river. 
Washington and Richmond being the two vital points aimed for by 
the contending armies, the capture of either city might determine the 
result of the war. But Washington is now safe; no more raids will 
be attempted north of Mason and Dixon's line for the enemy is not 
far distant from that "last ditch." It is quite natural that military 
operations in the vicinity of Washington and other large cities where 

156 



Footprints Through Dixie 

newspapers and means for obtaining news are more plentiful should 
receive attention and be given more prominent places in history than 
operations at distant points. To one who has not carefully noted re- 
sults of battles it may be surprising to find that more Confederate 
soldiers was killed within six hours at Franklin, Tenn., than were 
killed during the first year of the war on the Potomac; more than at 
both battles of Bull Run and more than during the three months siege 
of Vicksburg or three days battle of Chancellorsville, Va., and almost 
half the number killed during the entire Atlanta campaign and the 
four days battle of Gettysburg, Pa., where about one hundred and 
fifty thousand men were engaged. During the Franklin battle the 
rebel losses were over six thousand or at the rate of one thousand 
each hour three hundred of whom were killed each hour, yet the tug of 
war only occupied about three hours time. History of the war gives 
the following losses in killed suffered by the Confederates in the 
principal battles :_Fredericksburg, three days, 1,150; both battles of 
Bull Run, two days 961, Chancellorsville, three days, 1,581 ; Winches- 
ten days 1000, Cold Harbeor, two days, 1,200; Kenesaw Mountain, 
ter two days, 850! Wilderness, two days, 2,000 around Spotsylvania, 
three days. 1,100; Vicksburg. three months, 1,413; Franklin fenn.. six 
hours, 1,750. 

No te-The following letter written by a Confederate soldier to a 
friend of the Nineteenth Ohio, both of whom were engaged m the 
battle of Franklin, gives a vivid description of his experience and 
observation while assaulting the "Yankee" line at this battle:- 

"We pushed the Yankees closely until they come to the Harpeth 
river at Franklin and were so close to their forces that they dare not 
Attempt to cross the river for fear of losing not only their wagon 
?rainTut their army. The Yankees formed a battle line across the 
neck of and formed by the winding river, their flanks resting on the 
Hver Their center was a low hill where a couple of batteries stood 
for action We were on the ground early in the morning and the 
Yankee's had just begun to break ground or entrench men. We 
could see their entire line and judge correctly of their number and 
found that we outnumbered them two to one. It was four o .clock : m 
|e afternoon before o ur disposition of troops ^-ultonthe 

^ k d e P lai," S see m th d e e ' Yankee line and it seemed to he darted yet 
now and then a head or a man would appear above the works or an 
artTlleryn an would crouch behind a gun and gaze in our direction 
We were formed for the assault and the plan of battle was to launch 
several columns against the Yankee line and endeavor to break 
different points, while the real attack was to be made httle 

hill where the batteries stood. All was ready. Og^i" 1 ^^* 
intn nrtion and our columns moved forward. Ihe \ankee p.cKets in 
front of our ines arose from the ground and fired once then ran for 
thrir earthwo ks from where rifles fall in a horizontal line. We now 
am n,Vt the chareinK yell and the Yankee artillerymen spring to 
the'r^un We instinctively pull down our hat brims as tho to pro- 
ect oS -faces and dash forwardupon their lines. Instantly we are met 
hv a storm of bullets and canister that cause us to stagger as ou. 
dead and wounded comrades fall, against us. We ^^r badl>^hen 
gather ourselves and push on firing as we go. The po^dersmoke 
hung on the field and through rifts of this we could see the \ ankee 

157 



Footprints Through Dixie 

gunners springing nimbly to and from their Napoleon guns. The 
responsive hash of these guns as the lanyards were pulled would be 
followed by the rip of canister as it flew past and through our ranks 
cracking men's bones as pipestems and knocking brave men dead with 
great holes in their bodies. The zip, zip zip of flying balls was a 
steady hum as though the empty cylinders of countless threshing ma- 
chine were revolving at full speed all around and near us. * * * 

Steadily the Yankees, who had to hold their line or take to the 
water, load and fire while our men are falling by hundreds. We stag- 
gered on through storms of bullets and canister but had not reached 
the Union line. Then we heard exultant shouts on our left and 
through the drifting smoke caught sight of our battle flags planted 
on the Yankee breastworks on the hill and we can see gray clad men 
climb over the works and disappear. We now redouble our efforts to 
take the line in front of us but its fire did not slacken a particle, its 
defenders paid no attention to the disaster that had overtaken their 
center and as we drew closer, the parapet reddened in the smoke and 
the fire of rifles resembled the fury of hell. Then loud above the 
battle's roar sounds the charging cheer of Yankee troops at our left 
and we know that our men had been called upon to make good their 
success by meeting a counter charge of Yankee reserves. Could they 
withstand it? Promptly came the answer. There was a solid crash 
of Yankee musketry from that portion of the line and soon the rem- 
nants of the victories Confederates swarmed out of the captured 
works and ran to cover. Instantly the re-captured works were man- 
ned by a line of blue coated infantry who shot down the flying Con- 
federates by scores. On our part of the line we press on toward the 
Yankee works until some of our men fall in the ditch and we can see 
the eyes of Yankees as they look over their rifle pits, their faces pal- 
lid, their jaws set and their eyes blazing with battle light. I never 
before saw such rapid handling of rifles and artillery. It seemed to 
me that I could hear No. 1 of the artillery impatiently tap with his 
sponge staff on the blackened muzzle of the brass gun as he called 
for canister, and more canister, and still more canister. We were 
sufficiently near to feel the wind of the discharge of the Yankee guns. 
I look back and see our dead in winrows and the wounded staggering 
over the field, falling as they come to each other for aid. We hesi- 
tate, realizing that we cannot carry the works. We stagger a few 
feet nearer the Yankee lines firing wildly as we go only to be scorch- 
ed by the hot breath of Yankee cannon and rifle. One third of our 
(Reynolds) division is killed and wounded. Stunned, bewildered and 
horribly disappointed we gather into protected place and are speedily 
reformed. We are allowed to rest a short time. Again we are form- 
ed into a charging column. Our officers briefly explain the necessity 
of carrying the Yankee works and we swear to take them or die 
in the attempt. We rush to the assault again and are again met by a 
fire the heat of which warp us out of line. It seemed to me that the 
air was so full of bullets that I could have caught scores of them sim- 
ply grabbing on either side or above me. We advance close to the 
works and again break and fly to cover. It is now growing dark and 
still the battle-torn Confederates are formed into charging columns 
and launched against the Yankee works. We advance stumbling over 
our dead and wounded the latter shrieking as we trod on mangled 
limbs and body. Powder smoke hangs over the field in clouds which 
reflect the lurid fire that blazes along the Yankee lines at eight 
o'clock and at nine thirty and we are still fighting, still dying, still 
trampling our dead and wounded into the earth. Then we give it up. 
We have made five charges. Pat. Cleburne's men have made six 
charges and he falls while leading the last. 

Every general officer in the army of the Confederate excepting 
Hood was killed, wounded or captured. Our losses are up in the 

158 



Footprints Through Dixie 

thousands. We retire out of range of the Yankee guns, stack our arms 
and lay down. All night our wounded comrades are crawling off the 
grounds and seek comfort and rest and water among their unhurt 
brothers. Men with one leg trailing on the earth behind them, others 
with shattered arms or broken shoulders or torn entrails, or ghastly 
flesh wounds, or with smashed jaws or eyes shot out, would crawl, 
walk or be helped off the field. These maimed and suffering com- 
rades sink down and murmur. "I am glad to get here, it was hell it- 
self, boys; it was hell," and some sink to sleep that knows no wak- 
ing." * * * 

This soldier's description of the struggle and blood stained acres 
of his dead and wounded comrades is a striking pen picture of the 
horrors of war and the price they are paying to sustain a false ideal — 
a cause so evidently unjust — to gratify the ambition of designing 
traitors — a cause in which many of these victims did not sincerely 
believe worthy of defense and for which they are not responsible, and 
which has divided states, friends and families. 

Sherman's brief and fitting definition of war has been brought 
home to these brave but misguided boys. Even if successful in dis- 
rupting the Union and establishing human bondage they have nothing 
to gain except the satisfaction that comes to the conquerer. Many 
of these boys who are giving their services and lives are classed in 
the south as poor whites with social rank and opportunities for im- 
provement but little above slaves and who are unwittingly making 
this sacrifice to continue and strengthen a system of aristocracy that 
would bring only servitude to them and their posterity. 

It now looks as though we are settled down for a rest, but one 
never can tell. Weather is bad and we are fixing up our quarters hop- 
ing to make them more comfortable. With an old camp kettle and a 
few joints of rain water conductory taken from an abandoned home, 
we rig up a little heater in our living room. Fence rails are plenti- 
ful, well seasoned and make excellent fuel. We keep up roaring fires 
and slowly revolve our bodies absorbing the heat on front, rear and 
both flanks while planters watch their fences go up in smoke. 

On December 29, accompanied by a comrade we go out to take a 
view of the landscape and during our travels scare from a brush heap 
a bunch of land sharks, called hogs by natives. My aim is as poor as 
the animal for he stands "edgeway" and I miss him. Partner does 
better and brings down the game. The shark's "innards" are soon re- 
moved when we string the carcass on a rail and each taking an end of 
the rail we keep step until camp is reached. Fumes from frying pork 
soon attract notice among members of the company who gather 
around and get their rations while the carcass lasts. It's a feast or 
famine with the men in ranks with the famine end largely in the ma- 
jority. On December 30 and 31 the weather is stormy until late in the 
afternoon of the thirty-first. On the last day of the year we draw 
rations, are mustered for pay, and receive our first mail since the bat- 
tle of Nashville. 

This closes my diary for 1864. I find the following memoranda 
of clothing drawn during the year, viz: Three pairs of pants costing 

159 



Footprints Through Dixie 

$3.03 pair; four pairs of drawers costing 65 cents per pair; three shirts 
at 80 cents each; seven pairs of shoes at $2.05 per pair; two overcoats 
at $6.71 each; three pairs socks 60 cents each; one blouse $1.50; one 
canteen 40 cents and one haversack 50 cents. This does not cover the 
amount of clothing used during the year. Clothing cannot always be 
had when needed and must be bought or "confiscated along the way. 
We are allowed fifty-two dollars a year for clothing; all drawn in 
excess of this is taken from our pay and if the full allowance is not 
drawn we are paid the difference. From my pay during the year one 
hundred and forty seven dollars has been sent home, now worth sixty 
dollars in gold. Since entering service the pay of private soldiers has 
been increased three dollars per month and five dollars increase for 
non-commissioned officers. The few married men in the company 
cannot support their families on the pay they are getting. It now 
takes one day's pay to buy the wife a yard of calico or muslin and 
about one week's pay to buy her a pair of shoes. 

Our pay has increased about twenty per cent while supplies for 
the family has increased from one to two hundred per cent. Many 
of these soldiers families must receive assistance from friends or Aid 
societies organized throughout the north during the past year, while 
army contractors who manufacture "kinnekenick," shoddy uniforms 
and providing other supplies are reaping a financial harvest. War 
time seems to be the open season for crooks to prey upon the govern- 
ment while Uncle Sam's treasury is being raided from many angles. 
It is reported that one of these contractors made money enough in 
one year to buy an English duke for his favorite daughter. 




161 



CHAPTER IX. 



CLIFFTON, TENN., TO WILMINGTON, N. C 



January 2, 1865 finds us on the march headed in a westerly direc 
tion toward the Tennessee ri^er. This march leads us through Mt. 
Pleasant and Waynesboro, Tenn. We ford Buffalo river and a num- 
ber of other streams while passing through a rough and wild region 
of country timbered with scrub oak and mountain pine, and camp at 
Cliffton, Tenn., a small village on the Tennessee river. We are now 
informed that as soon as transports arrive the army will be trans- 
ferred to the Eastern department and again unite with Sherman's 
army at some point on the Atlantic coast and there finish up the job. 

The country surrounding this village is very rough and sparsely 
settled. In these hills, hollows and caves, bushwhackers find secure 
hiding places. Whenever an opportunity presents itself these out- 
laws murder stragglers from the Union army and citizens suspected 
of loyalty to the Union. A few days after our arrival here one among 
the few loyal citizens of this vicinity appears in our quarters and in- 
forms the commanding officers that bushwackers have been after 
some of our stragglers and that he has two of these men secreted 
near his home. A detail of two from each company, with two cor- 
porals, and myself as acting sergeant, is made and placed under com- 
mand of Captain Ford. After getting directions of the route to be 
taken we start down the river and after a march of a few miles we 
camp for the night. Before daylight on the following day the march 
is continued with five men and myself as advanced guard. A heavy 
rain now sets in and we become thoroughly soaked, but continue on, 
fording a stream in the meantime. Soon after fording this stream a 
horseman is seen turning a sharp bend in the road about forty rods 
distant. He is dressed in a blue army overcoat, probably taken from 
the body of some victim, with a gun swinging over his shoulder. Tak- 
ing the situation at a glance our guns are leveled on Mr. Bushwhacker 
and surrender is demanded. Mr. Bushwhacker quickly drops flat on 
his horse and wheels about as we fire but he is gone and we see him 
passing over the next hill as we reach the bend in the road. When 
our guns are fired the horse's tail and heels go up in the air and it's 
quite probably the innocent horse receives the lead intended for the 
outlaw. While reloading our guns the detachment comes up when 
the captain orders us forward again and to closely watch our flanks. 
We soon hear sounds of horns blowing in the hills and correctly 
guess this to be a call for the assembly of the bushwhackers. After 
marching a few miles it seems that we should be nearing the place 

162 



Footprints Through Dixie 

described by the old gentlemen and we await for the detachment to 
come up. Here the captain orders me to visit a cabin setting back 
some distance from the road and to inquire the distance to the church 
and grave yard where we are to meet the stragglers and their pro- 
tector. On entering the cabin two old women and an old man who 
have probably watched our movements appear to be much alarmed 
and ignore all questions for a time but finally after looking me over 
and failing to see hoofs or horns they show a willingness to talk 
and for the first time, perhaps behold a blue bellied Yank and are 
surprised to find that he looks like a human. Returning to the de- 
tachment we again move forward and in a short time reach the old 
chapel and find our friend awaiting us. After a short consultation 
with the captain the latter orders me to take the squad to a certain 
place and there leave them while I enter the grave yard and give a 
call agreed upon between the stragglers and their benefactor. It is 
some time before the stragglers respond but finally, like Lazarus they 
come forth from the sunken graves and thick brambles of the old 
neglected burying grounds, with grateful expression on their hag- 
gard and begrimed faces. We are now ready to return and are cau- 
tioned by our old friend who states that we will likely be attacked 
on our return, for the signal we heard was, as we predicted, a call to 
assemble. He informs us that these bushwhackers are a cowardly 
gang who will not attack unless they greatly outnumber us, or may 
fire at long range, then scatter and secrete themselves in hills and 
caves We then lunch and start on our return in the same order of 
march observed during the forenoon. After marching a few miles 
and while passing through a deep gully fringed on both sides with a 
heavy growth of cedar along steep hill sides the detachment is fired 
upon from the south side of the road wounding one man in his head 
but not seriously. The volley is fired at short range but the high 
elevation held by the outlaws and intervening undergrowth of bushes 
affords some protection. Our advance guard pass unmolested. As 
soon as the volley is fired this advance guard turns quickly and 
catching a glimpse of the enemy through the bushes we give them 
six charges at long range while the detachment with lusty yells de- 
ploy and scramble up the hillside in pursuit of the outlaws. Before 
they have advanced far the cowardly gang mount their horses and a 
force about equal our own is seen making fast time until they dis- 
appear in the hills and timber. The wounded head is cared for and 
our march is continued. Coming to the stream of water we crossed 
in the morning we find it swollen to a rushing torrent and how to 
cross is a puzzling question, for the stream is without bridges and 
too deep to ford. With bushwhackers hovering around and our ad- 
vance apparently cut off the outlook is not pleasing. After discuss- 
ing the situation a short time and roundly cussing the stragglers for 
getting us in this scrape, a squad is sent along the stream in search 
of a crossing. We are soon called by the men below who find a large 
tree across the channel. For a distance of six feet or more a torrent 

163 



Footprints Through Dixie 

of water is rushing over the butt of this tree, so by holding to each 
other we feel our way along the submerged portion of the tree until 
the top is reached where we wade nearly waist deep to the opposite 
shore. A few too timid to walk though the rushing waters sit astride 
the tree and with bodies half submerged work their way across. One 
falls into the stream and is rescued by a comrade who quickly drops 
astride the log and reaches out his musket which is seized by the 
struggling soldier. It is well for us that the bushwhackers are too 
cowardly to follow for a half dozen men taking a position under 
cover could have picked us off while crossing the stream. We are 
all safely landed and then take turns abusing a pair of very submis- 
sive stragglers, all of which seems to be enjoyed by Captain Ford 
though he has nothing to say. About every regiment has its stragglers 
who make a practice of falling out of ranks and in some manner evade 
the rear guard and get back to supply wagons or visit plantations, 
returning to their commands sometime during the night in time to 
dodge guard duty, unless they fall into hands of bushwhackers. 

Soon after crossing the stream we pass out into a more open 
country to a settlement or hamlet of log cabins and cultivated fields 
where we stop for a short rest and in meantime visit a number of these 
cabins but find no men in the neighborhood. From evidence gathered 
here we conclude that this settlement is the abiding place of a por- 
tion of the men who have been on our trail during the day. We now 
proceed to help ourselves and for a short time the squealing of pigs, 
squawks of ducks and squall of chickens mingled with pleadings and 
denunciations of women echoes through the surrounding hill. The 
stragglers are placed on extra duty and loaded with pork, poultry 
and other "contraband of war" and our march is continued to camp 
with chickens and ducks swinging from muzzles of guns, and but lit- 
tle the worse of our adventure. 



BACK TO OHIO 



We remain in this camp until January 16, 1865 when transports 
and gunboats arrive to convey and convoy the Twenty Third Army 
Corps to some other field of operation. Here our regiment with the 
Sixteenth Kentucky board the steamer "Swallow" and after a long 
and tedious journey down the Tennessee river we enter the Ohio at 
Paducah, Ky., passing Ft. Henry on the way, then up the Ohio 
through drifts of floating ice that threatens to wreck our boats, and 
arrive at Cincinnati on January 22. On January 23, we leave the boats 
and after an absence of two years and five months our regiment again 
sets foot on its native soil. Here the Corps is loaded into and on top 
of freight cars for a long mid-winter ride over a snow clad country 
and our journey is continued eastward through Columbus, Newark, 
Zanesville and other cities. At all stopping places the good people 
greet us with cheers and ample supplies of hot coffee and provisions, 

164 



Footprints Through Dixie 

all anxious to do for our comfort and pleasure, all of which is fully 
appreciated by boys who are suffering with cold, especially we who 
quartered on the "hurricane" decks. Sleighing is fine and people are 
out waiting at crossings with cheers and waving of flags as we pass 
by, and flags are seen waving from porches and windows along the 
route. At a number of stopping places our band is giving the citizens 
samples of their music and in return are feasting on good eatables 
provided by these citizens. 

The route we are taking through the state carry members of the 
regiment near their homes in Stark and Columbiana counties. Boys 
are trying to get ten day furloughs to visit their homes, which are 
not only refused but guards are placed at each car and instructed to 
see that all are kept aboard, yet after passing Zanesville and until 
the Ohio river is reached at Bellaire, twenty-five or more boys "slip 
the halter" and at the next roll call are neither "present nor account- 
ed for." Among these breachy soldiers are five members of company "B' 
who quietly evade a not over vigilant guard and without bidding their 
comrades goodby, leave the train at Bellaire, O., and start up the rail- 
road leading north, taking their arms and equipment. On arriving at 
Bridgeport they find a warm corner at one of the furnaces for the 
remainder of the night. They also find a deep snow and the weather 
so cold they almost wish themselves back on the train with the 
boys. Fully armed and accoutered they proceed on their way early on 
the following morning heading in the direction of Cadiz, Ohio and 
after marching over snowy and slippery hills they reach this city 
late in the evening. Here the citizens thinking these soldiers are out 
on some special duty accord them fine treatment and quarters at the 
hotel is provided. After supper young people of the city call and in- 
vite them to attend a dance. They accept this invitation but when 
pressed to take partners and participate in the "whirl" they balk and 
excuse themselves with a variety of lies. The boys do not want to 
confess to these clean and fashionably dressed young people that 
they haven't had a change of shirts or socks for two weeks, more or 
less, neither can they recall the date of their last bath. A trip of a 
thousand miles or more on steamboat and smoky freight cars has left 
its mark on their clothing. While the boys greatly admired these 
friendly and handsome young ladies they feel timid about leaving 
finger marks on their tidy waists. Getting into society once more is 
a pleasing sensation even while occupying the position of wall flow- 
ers, much more so than the sensation occasionally felt crawling over 
their ribs. They suspect that if these friendly young ladies were 
aware of the latter sensation they would quickly gather up their be- 
longings and beaus and leave the hall. On returning to the hotel 
they are offered rooms but these are refused believing that they 
could not rest on beds of this kind and not caring to leave remem- 
brances, the boys prefer to bunk down in the baggage room. On the 
following morning a good breakfast is served, haversacks replen- 
ished and on coming from the dining room a two-horse sled bedded 

165 



Footprints Through Dixie 

with straw is found waiting to carry them to Carrollton. From here 
the boys march to the home of one of the squad near Minerva where 
they stay over night and on the following day the remaining four 
march northward a few miles, then separate each to his home. After 
a visit of ten days they all start on their return to the regiment with 
fear and trembling and on arrival are greatly surprised and relieved 
when placed on duty, for all expected punishment. But to punish all 
these boys seemed like too much of an undertaking. The war is 
about over and they have all been good soldiers and right up on the 
bit during near two and a half years of mighty hard thumps and 
bumps, so all are forgiven and but little is said about their escapade, 
the offense is not even being considered serious enough to draw the 
stripes from offending non-commissioned officers. 

When the time came to return to the regiment three of these boys 
meet by appointment in the village of Alliance to secure transporta- 
tion to the regiment. Before visiting the office of Provost Mar- 
shal Oliver they hold a short rehearsal at some scheduled spot there 
to fix up a line of talk that will stand a test of cross examination 
should the marshal prove to be over inquisitive or separate the 
witnesses. As Annanias is recognized to be the ranking officer and 
prevaricator in the squad, he is given the task of presenting the case 
before Marshall Oliver, and under stress of circumstances his com- 
rades agreed to swear to any statement he might make, but warn him 
of his well-known recklessness at the business. They knew when 'Nias 
exercised proper caution he can frame up a lie that seems good to 
any one unacquainted with his habits. Pleased and flattered at this 
evidence of his superior skill, he leads the squads upon the Marshal's 
works, and after saluting in approved military style, 'Nias informs 
the captain that during transfer of the TwentyThird Army Corps 
through the state a number of soldiers were unavoidably detained at 
Bellaire. On this statement the accomplished prevaricator of Co. B 
polishes up a story that brings desirable results with transportation 
and passes to Washington City. 

It was with serious misgivings of trouble that they entered the 
captain's office not knowing whether they swould get passes and trans- 
portation or arrest with transportation under guard, but the boys 
brace up and put on bold front and are pleased to find the captain in a 
pleasant mood, not over inquisitive and asking but few embarrassing 
questions, yet the boys suspected the captain wise to the situation for 
after listening to 'Nias's string of prevarications a faint smile with a 
drooping of an eye lid is noticed as he passes out the coveted doc- 
uments remarking in the meantime that the One Hundred Fourth 
regiment must have been in a wreck down about Bellaire for he had 
been issuing a number of passes lately to men belonging to this reg- 
iment. Not caring to enter into further details of this "unavoidable 
detention" they hurriedly salute Marshal Oliver and go on their way 
rejoicing. The boys get through to Washington in due time but find 
the regiment has departed aboard boats for some point in the neigh- 

166 



Footprints Through Dixie 



borhood of Fort Fisher, N. C. After a few days delay at Washington 
and Alexandria they secure transportation by boat to Wilmington, 
N. C. where the regiment is found. 

January 22, when the regiment landed at Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Corporal Isaac Beight of North Benton, Ohio is sent to the hos- 
pital in the city. From here he is sent to a hospital at Wheeling, 
W. Va. from where he is discharged on June 9, following 
thirty months service with the company. Now one of the surviv- 
ors of the company. 



AGAIN ON THE FRONT 



During the absence of the boys the Twenty Third Corps con- 
tinues its journey eastward, passing through Cumberland and Harp- 
er's Ferry and down the Potomac river to Washington City. Here 
the Corps goes into camp on the Capital grounds and after this long 
trip by water and rail the boys present a very untidy appearance 
most shocking to the white gloved and collared patriots of the Poto- 
mac. Yes, they elevate their noses at us westerners whom they are 
calling "Georgia woodticks." During our stay here these white 
collared and brass bespangled patrols meet with a few adventures 
with Georgia woodticks they will not soon forget. 

On January 28, our forces cross on pontoon bridges and march to 
Alexandria, Va., where quarters are found in government stables, 
comfortable quarter and a fitting place for woodticks yet better by 
far than we have been accustomed to. Here we visit the hotel where 
Ellsworth was murdered while placing the Stars and Stripes on the 
building, also the pens, quarters and auction block where slaves were 
driven and sold like cattle by auctioneers. By a friendly citizen we 
are shown in the Masonic Hall and the chair occupied by Washington 
while master of the lodge, and the church building and the pew once 
occupied by our first president. 

While enroute from Cincinnati to Washington, Joseph Rob- 
inson of New Garden, Ohio, the youngest boy in the company, is 
taken sick with typhoid fever. On arrival at Washington he is 
sent to the hospital where he died, January 29, and is buried at 
Arlington, Va., after faithful service in the ranks of nearly two 
and one-half years. 

While occupying these quarters President Lincoln, Secretary 
Seward and others are holding a conference with Confederate officers 
at Fortress Monroe with a view of ending the war. Camp is now 
alive with rumors that the war is over or will likely end in a short 
time. Men are standing in groups while discussing the pleasing news 
and a few may be heard singing "Sweet Home." 

Jake now appears in our company quarters very much excited and 
elated with the glad tidings that the war is over for Lincoln is now 
"eggnoging" with rebel officers for peace and terms of settlement. It 
seems that during Jake's wanderings through our camping grounds 
he hears men talking about negotiations between Lincoln and others 

167 



Footprints Through Dixie 

with Confederate officials now under way at Fortress Monroe to 
bring about a settlement of the war. But before reaching his quar- 
ters that one word "negotiations" got away from Jake before he re- 
turned to deliver his message. This was a new one on Jake while 
"egg-nog" is a familar word and well understood for they raise 'em 
over about Greentown where Jake lives. But Jake may have hit 
upon the right word after all, at least the men who were holding this 
peace conference got no further toward a settlement. 

Ritchey now fears he will lose his steady job. He wants a boat 
ride down the Atlantic coast. He has tramped over the states of 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and a little of Virginia and 
now wants to see the Carolinas. 

George Ritchey enlisted at Salem, Ohio, one of the boys 
transferred from company "G" to our company when the regiment 
was organized. With the exception of two months sickness he 
served his entire term of enlistment in the ranks and was mus- 
tered out at the close of the war. 

No word of complaint ever comes from George and he is always 
ready to meet conditions as he finds them. He cannot understand 
why anyone with a good "steady job" and regular pay at 45 cents per 
day with board and lodging, quinine and pills, all free, should com- 
plain." This kind of talk when his comrades are tired, hungry and 
war worn is irritating to the boys, yet George serves a useful purpose 
and is a type of soldier needed in the ranks of every company. His 
inclination to make the best of painful conditions sometimes inspires 
others to renewed effort to meet these conditions. At Strawberry 
Plains, Tenn., while near the point of perishing with cold and hunger 
George might be seen walking through our quarters fanning himself 
or knocking off imaginary flies and mosquitos, or while standing, 
about our fires he is heard to enumerate the many good dishes he ate 
for breakfast, while all knew he was hungry enough to eat a piece of 
roast dog or cat. 

Poor old Dan. (we call him old for he is about thirty) sits in 
smoke trying to get a little warmth from the stewing pine wood at 
his tent. With pants torn and burned away almost to his knees he is 
the picture of misery. He is sick, despondent, grouchy and grow- 
ing weaker as the days pass at "Valley Forge." Ritchey is a mind 
reader and takes in the situation as he passes Dan's tent and believes 
his remedy for Dan's malady is better than quinine. He quietly ap- 
proaches and while seated by Dan offering words of sympathy and 
consolation, applies his remedy by seizing Dan's ear with his teeth and 
bears on until well defined teeth marks are visible for some time. 
With a howl of pain Dan comes to life and sends his frying pan and 
a number of cuss words after his fleeing persecutor. Dan is rip roar- 
ing mad and his blood is circulating freely, his joints are limbered up 
and from that time Dan improves and lives to see the end of the 
war. But George is improvident. When rations are short he will 
eat a day's rations at one sitting and then go hungry or trust in prov- 
idence until rations are again issued. Trusting in providence could 

168 



Footprints Through Dixie 

not be relied upon as well on the Georgia campaign as it was during 
our first year while guarding Kentucky plantations and villages. 

While in camp near Washington a number of men belonging to 
our division who captured rebel flags at Franklin and Nashville vis- 
ited the White House and presented these flags to President Lincoln. 

The unfinished Washington monument and new Capital building, 
the latter now under construction are points of interest visited by 
many soldiers during the short time we remained here. 

February 3, 1865 our brigade board the transport "Star of the 
South" and with a fleet of sixteen transports and convoys the Twenty 
Third Corps with horses, mules, wagons, artillery and other army 
equipment we steam down the Potomac river, meantime passing Mt. 
Vernon and other points of interest, enter Chesapeake Bay, then out 
upon the Atlantic rounding Cape Hattaras and along the Virginia 
and Carolina coast, anchor off Cape Fear near Federal Point on Feb- 
ruary 9, and soon after land at Smithville, N. C. Here the troops 
remain a few days meantime feasting on yams and oysters in addition 
to the usual rations. 

While rounding stormy Hattaras many boys are afflicted with 
sea sickness and the greatest sufferer is Seely. He lost control over his 
rations and they won't stay down. He finally becomes so sick and weak- 
ened that he stretches himself out on deck determined to die, and de- 
clares that only a watery grave will be satisfactory to him. To his 
favorite comrades he wills his personal property, and to the sharks 
his body is to be delivered. To the bugler who blows the early 
morning reveille he gives and bequeaths all his graybacks to have 
and to hold, hoping their number may increase. (Seely has a vivid 
recollection of knapsack drills sometimes inflicted for neglect in 
answering to this early call.) But after many hours of suffering he 
declares he is too sick to reach his last breath and lives on to suffer. 
Seely is a good soldier, but his troubles have been many since en- 
tering military service, and among these are the "skinning" of mules, 
responding to the early roll call, Ritchey and the oracles. After long 
and diligent practice he can now express his opinion of these pests 
and do the job in fairly good English. Other sick boys on his voy- 
age offer all their worldly possessions for enough dry land on which 
to erect a pup tent. 



WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 



On February 18, our division advance through cypress swamps 
and over rough roads in the direction of Wilmington, N. C. and at- 
tack the enemy at Ft. Anderson and with the aid of a gun boat the 
enemy is driven from his works with a loss in our regiment of five 
men. On the following day our forces again advance and find the 
enemy entrenched at Oldtown Creek. The soldiers are well loaded 



169 



Footprints Through Dixie 

with supplies of yams yet carry this precious food while making an- 
other charge on the enemy position which is carried with a loss in 
the regiment of twenty-two men, capturing a number of prisoners and 
four pieces of artillery, together with a quantity of ammunition and 
small arms. On February 22, the enemy evacuate Wilmington and 
our forcees take possession of the city, closely followed by trans- 
ports which tie up at the wharf. 

On entering the city we find a large amount of rebel property 
stored here for export has been set on fire by the retreating enemy. 
Considerable of this property is saved by our troops who immedi- 
ately go to work extinguishing flames probably saving the city from 
destruction. This is an important point where blockade runners have 
operated and the loss of Ft. Fisher and other points on Cape Fear is 
keenly felt by the fast fading Confederacy. 

This also seems to be headquarters on this continent for the ship- 
ment of tar, turpentine and resin for large quantities of this merchan- 
dise was destroyed by the retreating enemy. The great destruc- 
tion of cotton, burning of docks and transports that are blown up 
and sunk in the river channel must have entailed a loss to the Con- 
federacy and to citizens of several million dollars. 

Among the supplies captured here was a warehouse containing 
tobacco, cigars and whiskey. This warehouse is raided by soldiers 
and soon emptied of its contents. Soldiers now take advantage of 
this opportunity to celebrate recent achievements and Washington's 
birthday anniversary because we have the whiskey on hand and no 
way to dispose of it. The only money in circulation here is Confed- 
erate scrip and this is of no value to us and has almost lost its pur- 
chasing power with the natives. Confedeate money is worth about 
five cents on the dollar and whiskey is selling at sixty to eighty dol- 
lars per gallon, natives tell us. Quinine is selling at two hundred 
dollars an ounce and flour at one fifty to two dollars per pound and 
other supplies bringing about the same ratio of inflated prices. Con- 
federate money is abundant and will remain plentiful as long as the 
Confederacy and supply of paper holds out. 

Ritchey declares that whiskey is entirely too valuable to waste 
so after a brief discussion he clears the situation by proposing to 
drink it. This proposition is favorably received and Ritchey, who 
always responds to the call of duty, leads the attack and finds hearty 
support throughout the brigade. But the sergeant and others who be- 
lieve that Christian and military duties can be worked along parellel 
lines are so unpatriotic as to refuse to celebrate. Even our devout 
Orderly now believes it to be his duty to join comrades in celebrat- 
ing the capture of the last seaport stronghold. At roll call 
the Orderly finds it difficult to take the position of a soldier and his 
memory of names seem scrambled. He orders the men in line and 
after calling the names of a few members he retires to his tent with- 
out dismissing the company. A few boys become so loud and hilar- 

170 



Footprints Through Dixie 

ious they are ordered taken to the guardhouse for treatment, while 
oracles are making patriotic speeches. 

Orderly and sergeant are of the same religious faith but seem 
to be working at it along different angles. "Applied Christianity" Or- 
derly contends, is not applicable in military service and that certain 
things become necessary in performing military duty that conflict 
with the teachings of the Golden Rule, and there you are. But the 
sergeant is a stickler for "first principles. 

Orderly and sergeant attend religious services together where 
each make frequent and fervent appeals in behalf of his sinful com- 
rade, then quarrel more or less during the week, all because the ser- 
geant watches as well as prays. Too much watching irritates the up- 
to-date and progressive orderly who contends that the sergeant has 
not been "ordained as his brother's keeper." 

The sergeant now call orderly to account for the latter's aid in 
disposing of this liquid "contraband of war." Orderly stoutly de- 
nies that he was overloaded but the boys are about all witnesses for 
the prosecution while the defense is without supporting testimony. 
The case is up for argument between the sergeants and as usual be- 
come warmlike and peppery. Sergeant now accuses the orderly of 
adding the sin of lying to that of intoxication. Orderly now becomes 
furious and shoots another hole in the ten commandments. Boys 
gather around delighted with the entertainment. "Under pressure of 
military necessity" says Orderly "many things that seem wrong are 
justified in order to put down the rebellion," and again reminds the 
sergeant that the latter is watching the conduct of others while neg- 
lecting his own, or words to that effect. But the boys are deeply in- 
terested and all willingly lend a helping hand to prolong the enter- 
tainment. As a parting shot the sergeant informs orderly that the 
latter cannot hope to suppress the rebellion by creating a whiskey 
famine in the south, adding that "military necessity" demands that 
one occupying the position of orderly sergeant should set a good ex- 
ample before the boys. Both the orderly and sergeant make free to 
reprimand bo3 r s for bad behavior and this fact deepens our interest 
in these entertainments. Both are ever watchful of the conduct of 
others and in the main are exemplary men and dutiful soldiers and 
never inquisitive when boys divide delicacies sometimes obtained in 
questionable ways. Through inconsistent, perhaps, the sergeants are 
anything but indiscreet. 

Tobacco and cigars are a drug in the market for all who cared 
for the smokers and chewers have a supply but the whiskey is dispos- 
ed of in a few hours after the warehouse is raided. Grabb has been 
working hard to dispose of his stock in trade but business is slow 
though he is offering tempting inducements. Grabb is the company 
tightwad to whom a ten cent scrip looks almost as large as a town lot. 
His strong characteristic is to look sharp after the interest of Grabb, 
and as a side issue he fills the position of company peddler who buys 
and sells, never forgetting to add a liberal profit. He has tramped 

171 



Footprints Through Dixie 

over the entire camp ground trying to dispose of his tobacco and 
cigars but business is slow. During his absence the boys aid him in 
this work by stealing a portion of his stock only to hear Grabb 
speak his piece when the theft is discovered. Yet, they say Grabb 
is unselfish and generous, in a way, for anything he can't eat, carry or 
sell he willingly divides with the boys. He is as diligent in the per- 
formance of duty as he is in gathering scrip, for during his two years 
and ten months service he has never missed a "trick" on duty or 
drawn a single does of quinine. 

Wilmington is a city of sandy unpaved streets and is found al 
most deserted by its white inhabitants, they leaving the place in pos- 
session of old slaves with their women and children. Smouldering 
ruins of buildings, also cotton and other products intended for ex- 
port are burning for several days after we occupy the city. From 
this port most of the cotton shipped to England was sent out and 
English made goods were landed here to supply the Confederate 
army and people of the south. This port is supposed to be block- 
aded by our navy many Confederate and English vessels manage to 
run the blockade and land their cargoes at points of destination. 

We left Alexandria in the midst of severe winter weather. Now 
frogs are singing in the Carolina swamps as we advance along the 
Cape Fear river's sandy, swampy shore, while gun boats are throwing 
shells into Fort Anderson which we find badly wrecked on taking 
possession. Boats are also seen searching the river for torpedoes as 
we advance through many rice plantations along the river. 

March 22. Fred Werner is sent to the hospital from where he 
is discharged after thirty-two months faithful service. The war 
having closed before he was able for duty he did not return to 
the company, but went direct from the hospital to his home, and 
his voice is missed in the ranks. With Smitty in Andersonville, 
Yonie now has the field pretty much to himself. 

Our regiment is now placed on provost duty in the city with 
Lieutenant Colonel Jordan as Provost Marshal. The other regiments 
of the brigade under command of Colonel Sterl is encamped near by 
to garrison this post, while the units of the Twenty Third Corps has 
marched into the interior of the state in persuit of the retreating 
enemy. On our arrival here one hundred guns are fired by the army 
and war vessels celebrating the capture of the enemy's last port on 
the Atlantic coast. We hear that the remainder of Sherman's army 
is now advancing northward from Savannah meeting with but little 
opposition on the way. 

A few days after our arrival here two boats loaded with Union 
prisoners are unloaded at the wharf. A number of these victims are 
seen lying dead on the decks and others are dying. In wretched con- 
dition many are being carried away on stretchers, living, half clad 
skeletons, demented, covered with filth and vermin, men to whom 
death is a welcome visitor. These prisoners have been confined in 
Florence and other prisons and liberated by the rebel authorities on 

172 



Footprints Through Dixie 

approach of Sherman's army. They report that a building at Flor- 
ence was turned about eighty sick prisoners being burned with the 
building. After witnessing these victims of rebel atrocity we are 
again reminded of Sherman's comparison of war with hell and now 
are almost ready to believe that, after all, the General may have ma- 
ligned the fiery regions. Yet monuments have been erected to pur- 
petuate the memory of men who are responsible for the murder of 
these defenseless soldiers. 

M arch 4, George Leppard of Lake township is sent to the hos- 
pital while on guard duty in Wilmington, N. C., returning to 
the company at Goldsboro. May 8th, following. George is 
one of the five boys in company "B" who took a vacation on the 
"French" plan while the army was passing through Ohio in Jan- 
uary. He reported to the company for duty in about thirty days 
and served until the close of the war and is mustered out after 
thirty one months service. 




173 



CHAPTER X. 



WILMINGTON TO GREENSBORO. N. C. ANT) HOME 



March 4, while President Lincoln is being inaugurated for his sec- 
ond term we are on forced march of about one hundred miles in the 
direction of Kinston N. C, where we expect to join our Corps. Dur- 
ing this time General Reilly becomes very riley through some dis- 
agreement among the officers and gives us the hardest march we 
have had since leaving Georgia. The general gratifies his peppery 
temper and is probably satisfied, and the boys are sore. While march- 
ing along, distant canonading is heard and during a portion of one 
day's advance we pass through volumes of smoke and almost unbear- 
able heat coming from burning forests along the roadside. We are 
hurried forward and in the meantime ford Trent river where the 
head of the column balk on fording the stream until a member of 
Cox's staff delivers a very pointed speech, then dismounts and wades 
through the stream followed by the rebellious soldiers. On arriving 
at Kinston we find that the enemy has been driveen back and here we 
encamp and are at work making repairs of the railroad and a bridge 
near by. During a portion of this march we pass through a fine 
country of well kept plantations with flowers and trees in bloom and 
fences decorated with grinning pickaninnies of the usual assorted 
shades with their wobbling, wooly heads keeping time to the music of 
passing bands. At one of our camping grounds on a large plantation 
enough ham and yams are found to supply the brigade with these 
delicacies for several days. 

On March 20, we advance on Goldsboro where the enemy is ex- 
pected to offer battle but vacate the village and on our arrival we 
meet the advance of Sherman's army moving north from Savannah, 
Ga. A number of our generals with their staffs go out to meet the 
great raider who is welcomed with loud cheers, playing of bands and 
a salute of thirteen guns, followed by a display of rockets in the eve- 
ning. 

Here we go into camp, build fortifications, and occasionally visit 
the village where we are interested in looking over slave quarters, 
auction blocks and stocks, where slaves are quartered, sold and 
whaled. 

For several days Sherman's army is marching in and camping 
after its long trip of over five hundred miles through the heart of 
the Confederacy. The boys are looking and feeling fine and many are 
dressed in fantastic garments while the army clown is seen bringing 

174 



Footprints Through Dixie 

up the rear, mounted on a dwarf mule and dressed in plug hat goggles 
and clawhammer coat. They are loaded with abundant supplies 
gathered on the way and trailed by hundreds of vehicles of many 
description, also horses, cattle, mules and slaves. 

All seems quiet along the lines after the army settles down 
though the enemy is on our front looking out for the next move. 
Our band visits the outpost and plays Dixie for the benefit of rebel 
scouts who may be within hearing distance of the music. 

April 4, we are gratified to hear orders read on dress parade an- 
nouncing the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg by the enemy 
and all now feel that the end of the war is near at hand, all happy 
and hilarious, singing "sour apple tree," "sweet home," etc., while 
a few athlets may be seen turning handsprings. 



GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 



We who were left in Alabama with General Thomas last November 
have been roughly handled by the rebel army under General Hood 
who routed and rawhided us from Columbia to Nashville, Tenn., a 
distance of about sixty miles, and think we have been given the hard 
end of the job. But as we have so completely applied much worse 
treatment to Hood's army over the same ground all are satisfied. 
Each wing of Sherman's army has performed a great work since 
separation in Alabama and have now brought the Confederacy near its 
last ditch in Virginia and North Carolina. 

During the month of March a number of recruits and substitutes 
whose patriotism has been awakened under the stimulating influence 
of ten to fifteen hundred dollars bounty report to the regiment for 
duty, and our company draws its share. As the war is about over the 
only use we can make of these delayed patriots is to drill them and 
this job is handed to the undersigned. This work is properly the 
duty of sergeants but Lieutenant Vick refuses to argue the case or 
to divide the work with other drill masters. Almost any kind of a 
man passes examination and is accepted as recruits or substitutes 
during the past few months and six of these fag ends of the Union 
army are assigned to our company. (Last on the muster roll, and first 
on the pension roll) 

Buck-kneed, bow legged, and warped spinal columns, and two who 
are well up in the forty's — too old to learn new tricks, are sent to 
fill up the ranks and paid for by men with more money than patriot- 
ism. 

Boys are pestering these "bounty grabbers" shamefully. This 
arouses Ritchey's sympathy in behalf of the persecuted patriots 
who are pleased to find a sympathizing friends. They patiently lis- 
tened to Ritchey's store of information it is his wont to deliver to 

175 




'Contraband of War" 



Footprints Through Dixie 

listeners who are kept awake to the importance of what he has to 
say by constant jabs in the ribs by Ritchey's elbow or thumb. 

Lieutenant Vick thinks these fellows should be made to earn a 
portion of the money they cost and to make up for lost time he 
keeps the drill master and squad busy while other boys are having 
an easy time. Lieutenant knows I am not pleased with this job but 
this does not disturb him and it's my opinion that this extra duty is 
in payment for a vacation taken last winter. Standing room is found 
in some shady spot while teaching this raw material all the double 
quick movements known in infantry drill and while resting (?) the 
squad is drilled in the manual of arms while I enjoy the pounding 
they give to each other's corns when coming to an order arms, mean- 
while regretting that Vick's corns are not within reach of these bom- 
bardments. Between drills Seely and others add to the troubles of 
these tardy patriots by pestering them in various ways. 

March 24, 1865, Elias Pontius of Lake township returns from 

the hospital where he was sent while encamped at Kinston, N. C. 

With the exception of this short absence he served his entire 

term of enlistment on duty in the ranks and is mustered out with 

the company at the close of the war. 
April 1, General Reilly resigns and retires from military service, 
when our division is placed under command of General Carter. 

Sherman's re-united army is nof encamped at Goldsboro, N. C, 
numbering about one hundred thousand. April 10, word reaches us 
that Lee has surrendered his army of forty to fifty thousand men, at 
Appomatox, Va., and the welcome tidings is read on dress parade. 
When parade is dismissed, one hundred thousand voices send up a 
cheer that sounds the crack of doom to all "sesesh" within sound of 
our voices and guns, and the noise is kept up until late. Muskets are 
loaded with blanks and fired until our ammunition is well nigh ex- 
hausted. All except the drill master and his awkward squad are 
now enjoying a rest with only camp duties and occasional scouting. 
The rebel army under General Johnston is keeping out of our way 
while Jeff Davis is busy dodging our cavalry now hot on his trail, 
hoping to capture the arch traitor and the one hundred thousand dol- 
lars placed upon his head. The capital of the late C. S. A. has mov- 
ed. It's seat of government is now located in a saddle and the head 
thereof is looking for a resting place. Retribution for the great con- 
spirators is at hand and dreams of a new government founded on 
human bondage is fading. The last scene of the great secession act 
discloses to view an aged lady (?) with a pail in hand looking for a 
drink of water. Corporal Munyer, the lowest officer in the ranks de- 
tects the disguise of this ancient lady(?) and exposes to view the 
highest ranking officer in the late C. S. A. The mask is removed and 
an ignominious ending of the "sacred cause" follows. Curtain slowly 
descends as the head of the aforesaid C. S. A. establishes head quart- 
ers at Fort Monroe accompanied by a body guard of Union soldiers. 
April 11, we start out to meet Hood's army, now under its former 
commander Joseph E. Johnston, which retires before our forces, and 

177 



Footprints Through Dixie 

on April 15 go into camp at Raleigh, N. C. During this march and 
while rejoicing over the fine prospects of an early return to our 
homes, word passes along the line that President Lincoln has been 
assassinated. At first this is regarded as one among the false rumors 
often circulating in the ranks and little attention is given the report 
until camp is reached when the distressing news is confirmed. Our 
president has fallen a victim at the hands of those who now most 
need his aid and supremely wise council in their adversity. He has 
finished his work. His name and fame will follow down the ages 
with the history of the country he saved from dissolution and chaos. 
"With malice toward none and charity for all" surely none could 
"bind up the Nation's wounds" more justly and speedily, and bring 
reconciliation to estranged sections of the Union than this man who 
has given his life to his country and liberation of his fellowman. An 
unusual quietness prevails throughout the camping grounds of this 
great army and mutterings are heard that bode evil to the enemy 
should an opportunity again present itself to meet him on the field. 
Threats are made to burn the city of Raleigh and much anxiety and 
alarm is noticed among the citizens. In addition to the regular patrol 
our regiment is added to the force and while on duty a number of 
solders are arrested in attempt to fire buildings. 

Many loyal people are found among the citizens of Raleigh and 
throughout the state who have suffered persecution at the hands of 
rebels during the war and to be now threatened by their friends is 
adding to their distress. 

April 21, our army is being reviewed by General Grant and other 
generals while marching through the streets of the city. For some 
reason unknown to us the men in our regiment have been drilled to 
carry arms at "right shoulder shift" with the back of the hammer 
resting upon our shoulders which places the gun barrel at an angle 
of about eighty degrees. When on review this brings the regiment 
out in conspicuous view to people witnessing the parade. On evening 
dress parade the announcement is made that Generals Grant, Sher- 
man and Schofield send to Colonel Jordan congratulations for our 
"excellent marching and soldierly bearing," adding that they had never 
seen this excelled even by regular soldiers. So much for the merci- 
less drill and exacting discipline from a regular army officer during 
the time we served under his command. While encamped here the 
boys who captured flags at Franklin and Nashville are called out and 
serenaded by the band while receiving medals or honor for their 
brave actions during these battles. 

April 22, Alfred Clemans, of Paris township is detailed for 
guard duty at Division headquarters where he remained until 
June 17, returning at that time for duty. He is one of the five boys 
who took "French" leave of absence and returned to the company 
at Wilmington, N. C., after an absence of about thirty days. He 
served on duty with the company thirty one months and was 
mustered out at the close of the war. Now one of the survivors 
of the company. 
We remain in this camp while negotiations are under way for 

178 



Footprints Through Dixie 

the surrender of Johnston's army, Sherman's terms for receiving the 
surrender of this army is not satisfactory to the war department 
when we are ordered to move against the enemy, and be ready to 
march at a moment's warning and all are soon packed up ready for 
the march. Before this order is carried into effect the rebel army 
encamped at Greensboro, N. C. surrenders on terms dictated from 
Washington, April 26, 1865. General Grant is here to aid in receiving 
the surrender of the last heavy force of the Confederates and within 
a short time scattering remnants of the rebel forces surrender and 
the long wished for end to the struggle has arrived. 

April 29, is set apart as a day of mourning for the loss of Pres- 
ident Lincoln when guns are fired at intervals thoroughout the day, 
ending with a salute of thirty six guns at the setting of the sun. 

We hear of the Sultana disaster on the Mississippi river where 
hundreds of Union soldiers on their way home after release from 
rebel prisons are killed and drowned near Memphis Tenn. 

A number of Stark county soldiers, captured in Tennessee, 
were aboard this vessel. Among these were Lieut. Jacob Shaf- 
fer F. A. Clapsaddle, Thomas Rue, William Smith, Chas. Detrick, 
Adam Hendricks, Alex. Laugheter, Robert Roath, Thomas Spen- 
cer and Benjamin Grew, all of whom perished except Lieut. Ja- 
cob Shaffer and F. A. Clapsaddle, who were rescued while float- 
ing on the river; all members of Company F 115th Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry from Lexington and Marlboro townships. 
May 2 1865, General Schofield, commanding the department of 
North Carolina, and General Cox, now commanding the Twenty- 
Third Corps, with their staff officers, accompanied by our regiment 
board a train made up partly of flat cars and after a few hours run 
we arrive at Greensboro, N. C, where for a few days Jeff. Davis es- 
tablished migratory headquarters of the Confederacy. 

Here we leave the cars and form in line in the midst of about 
thirty thousand defeated and disheartened Confederate soldiers, 
many of whom rejoice with us that the contest is ended. We are 
soon surrounded by thousands of our late enemy whose appearance 
and equipment plainly show the exhausted and impoverished condi- 
tion of the Confederate forces and we know that braver boys cannot 
be found on this continent for they have been our adversaries during 
the past year, facing privations and dangers with but scant hope of 
success. 

A patrol guard of Union soldiers is placed on duty in the village 
to keep order while other detachments are sent to surrounding fields 
where rebel guards are relieved from duty over supplies surren- 
dered to our forces. Among these details I am sent with a squad 
of men to relieve rebel guards on duty in a field parked with artil- 
lery and ammunition wagons. Relieving this guard from duty over 
their own property is a new experience and somewhat embarrassing 
yet the change is made without friction or apparent regret on the 
part of the rebel guards we are relieving. "Johnnies" know what we 
are there for, so after receiving instructions from the sergeant of 

179 



Footprints Through Dixie 

this guard we march along the line when the rebel guard takes the 
proper position, instructs the "yank" who relieves him and drops in 
rear of the line until all are relieved. They are then formed in line 
by their sergeant and stack arms on which they hang a varied as- 
sortment of equipment, break ranks and their warfare is ended. A 
few of these boys seem to die hard, claiming they have been over- 
powered, overwhelmed and have worn themselves out "licking yanks" 
against great odds. They refer to General Lee who during the past 
eighteen months has "been whipping Yankees against great odds and 
worn themselves out on the job." Of course we let the boys have 
their say for it's not hurting us a bit and seems consoling to them, 
yet ask them to point out any important battle they have won west 
of Virginia. 

One of our "strategists" who happened to be in this squad of 
guards and always loaded with contention and indiscretion has to be 
smothered in order to prevent a scrap. To intimate to these rebs 
that they had been fairly defeated might make trouble for all are 
imbued with that southern spirit of "honah" that admits no defeat. 
A few of these rebs. are sullen and snappy and have but little to say 
but we know by the way they are sizing us up they are doing con- 
siderable thinking and little effort is made to conceal their hatred 
of "yanks". Yet we have no ill feeling toward them and sincerely 
extend our sympathy for we know they will be paroled and sent 
away, many without homes, means or employment. All except the 
sergeant of the guard soon depart for the village. The sergeant is 
friendly and expresses sensible views of the situation. He thinks the 
war should have ended over a year ago thus saving the lives of thou- 
sands of men who have been sacrificed in order to gratify the ambi- 
tion or perhaps save the necks of a few men at the head of the con- 
spiracy to destroy the Union. The sergeant says much credit is due 
Confederate soldiers who during the past year have stood by their 
colors fighting and giving up their lives for a cause that seemed 
hopeless. Many of the rank and file in the Confederate army cannot 
read or write and by reason of this they have been made to believe 
their forces are gaining victories in other fields. Newspapers 
throughout the south are misleading in their accounts of the opera- 
tion of their forces hoping to inspire soldiers and citizens to re- 
newed effort to bolster up the "sacred cause" of disunion and human 
bondage. A newspaper issued a few days before the evacuation of 
Richmond informs its readers that Grant's army fronting Petersburg 
has been whipped and Sherman's army on its march from Savannah 
through the Carolinas is meeting disaster. 

The sergeant relates much that is interesting concerning manners 
and customs and conditions in the south before and during the war. 
His father and mother live in Georgia and unfortunately are located 
on the trail left by Sherman's army. They belong to the class known 
as "poor whites" and own a little home of a few acres which he 
hopes has escaped destruction. 

180 



Footprints Through Dixie 

The sergeant goes on to say that he has learned to read and write 
but never attended school for public schools are unknown in the south 
and are not wanted by aristocracy who prefer to continue a degree of 
slavery among poor whites, a system that has existed in the south 
since the formation of the government. "We were told that we were 
fighting for southern rights," he says, but he cannot see where the 
condition of his class would be improved by gaining southern inde- 
pendence. "It's simply a case of heads you win, tails we lose." He 
uses strong language as he recalls the fact that "poor white trash" 
are even looked upon with contempt by slaves belonging to aristo- 
cratic families, yet are good enough and foolish enough to fight to 
more firmly establish this rule of aristocracy, always exercised with 
autocratic power in the south. "We are the owners of but little 
property," he says, "and many will find only patches of land, with 
buildings, fences and families gone on our return." The sergeant is 
well supplied with Confederate money and is very thankful when I 
exchange a one dollar "Lincoln green" for one of his worthless 
twenty dollar Confederate bills. "This dollar" he says "is now the 
sum total of my worldly possessions." 

While on duty in Greensboro we treat these Confederates 
kindly and give but little heed to braggadocia, insults and insinua- 
tions occasionally heard. A few of our boys resent these windy at- 
tacks until both Union and Confederate officers take a hand in quiet- 
ing the men. Rebel soldiers now feel under less restraint of military 
discipline and a few are found ready to make trouble if encourage- 
ment is given. Many of these men are believed to carry concealed 
weapons and enough might be found to dispose of about four hun- 
dred "Yanks" should these uncontroled "Johnnies" decide on another 
"killin." The first night on duty in the village the situation seemer 
alarming at times. Drunken rebel soldiers are looking for more 
trouble, but we are patient, making due allowance for the frame of 
mind and condition of these men, are warned against entering into ar- 
guments with them, and are aided in keeping order by manly efforts of 
Confederate officers who give timely aid in keeping us out of trouble. 

When it becomes known in the rebel ranks that their army has 
surrendered many leave at once without waiting parole, taking their 
horses and equipment with them declaring they intend to join other 
forces not yet surrendered and continue the war. We hear that these 
men have formed into squads and are making raids and robbing 
former friends in Georgia and the Carolinas. Helpless citizens are 
at the mercy of these raiders until Union cavalry is brought into ac- 
tion who capture and turn them over to civil authorities for trial. 
An artillery sergeant, who deserted Lee's army on the night of its 
surrender and joined Johnston's army, with a section of his battery, 
now appears where we are on guard to take a last look at the cannon 
he has been serving during the war. It will take many years to re- 
construct this fellow. 

A few of these men continue to make trouble and raise frequent 

181 



Footprints Through Dixie 

disturbances, often among themselves. The situation for the Union 
patrols and guards is unusual and perplexing. To attempt to arrest 
these hostile "Johnnies" might bring on a conflict. 

A few hot headed fellows denounce their officers for what they 
say is a "cowardly surrender of the sacred cause." They know but 
little about the situation but, like our oracles, they have opinions 
which are now freely expressed loud enough for "Yanks" to hear, 
though a large majority take a more sensible view of the matter and 
are pleased to know the strife is ended. These are the survivors of 
the rebel army we have been fighting during the past year, and who 
assaulted our works at Franklin, Tenn., where many of their companies 
and regiments were almost destroyed. They all seem to have an 
abundance of Confederate scrip and poker playing is now their favo- 
rite pastime. Instead of counting this scrip they just reach in their 
hats or coat pockets and sometimes place a handful of these defunct 
shinplasters on a poor poker hand. 

On the morning of May 4, the Ninth New Jersey regiment of in- 
fantry arrive and assist in this guard duty and within a few days the 
reminder of our division march in and camp near the village. 

Army supplies turned over by the Confederates consist of about 
150 pieces of artillery, 500 wagons, 40,000 stand of arms, 200 stands of 
colors, 200 locomotives and 1,000 cars, together with commissary sup- 
plies, ammunition, horses and mules. 

While encamped at Greensboro, accompanied by a comrade we 
walk a few miles out in the country to visit the old Revolutionary 
battlefield of Guilford Courthouse where a battle was fought between 
Cornwallis and General Greene over eighty years prior. A trace of 
the old fortifications is found, and an aged oak tree with a portion of 
its top shot away at this battle in shown us by a friendly Quaker liv- 
ing near by. After looking over the grounds a short time, where we 
are shown other points of interest connected with this battle, we 
are invited to the home of our new friend and without urging ac- 
cept an invitation to remain for dinner — the first time we have heard 
or waited for an invitation of this kind for a long time. The people 
living in this vicinity are nearly all of the Quaker faith and with rare 
exceptions are both Union and anti-slavery in sentiment. We enjoy 
this visit and are interested while the family relate their experience 
within the rebel lines during the war. By reason of this religious 
faith they have escaped persecution at the hands of Confederate sol- 
diers and conscription officers but have been compelled to contribute 
liberally in support of the late C. S. A. We thank the family for 
their hospitality and return to camp late in the afternoon. 

June 15, Thomas Bender of Lake township is detailed as am- 
bulance driver where he serves until transferred to the One 
Hundred and Eighty Third Ohio regiment. Bender enlisted as a 
recruit in Jan. 1864 and was assigned to our company April 21, fol- 
lowing at Bull's Gap, Tenn. He served on duty with the company 
every day until the close of the war. 
The remaining forces of Sherman's army are marching to Wash- 

182 



Footprints Through Dixie 

ington and will pass in review before government officials and I from 
there will be sent to the states from where the men enlisted, and be 
disbanded. , . 

While encamped at Greensboro, N. C, a convention of Oh 1Q sol- 
diers is held in a grove adjoining the village. At this convention 
General Jacob D. Cox, our division commander dnr.ng the past year 
is unanimously endorsed as a candidate for governor of Ohio. Dele 
gates are elected to present the General's name at a convention to be 
hdd in the state and instructed to use their influence to secure his 
nomination for that office. 

By the middle of May the paroled rebel prisoners have all de- 
parted for their homes where many will find desolation and poverty 
and the outlook is certainly gloomy for these misguided boys. Peace 
is now established, the Union is saved and the bondman car i now en- 
joy the fruits of his labor. No more slave pens or au ior i blocks 
where families are separated and lost to each o^er for all time No 
more brutal lashing, or hunting down with vicons blood hounds tear 
ing flesh from the bodies of men and women seeking the God given 
right of freedom. 

We now have only the arms and munitions of war surrendered 
by our late enemy to guard and this is being loaded on cars and taken 
away. Our duties are light for all except the drill master and his 
awkward squad who are kept busy in order to punish the former and 
collect damages for the latter. June 16, we pass in review before 
Generals Schofield, Cox and Carter and on June 17 our regiment 
mustered out of service and relived from guard duty by Massachus 
"ts troops The awkard squad is turned over to another drill master 
without regrets from either the squad or drillmaster Our recruits 
"e transferred to the One Hundred and Eighty Third Ohio regiment 
and will probably remain on guard duty at some point in the south 
The Chaplain delivers a farewell address and Ritchey discards the 
mask he has worn during nearly three years of trials and tribulations 
Tnd re o icees with his comrades. We scramble aboard freight cars and 
re oon homeward bound on a railroad of the old type construction 
with its wood stringers and strap iron railing and much out of repair 
Over this road we slowly wend our way northward Soldiers fre 
quently leaves the slow moving cars and find but little difficulty get- 
ting aboard again. We are impatient but in time reach City Point 
after passing through Danville, where the shifting Confederacy es- 
tablished headquarters for a brief period, and then on to Petersburg 
and James river. Here we board the Transport Columbia and continue 
o homeward journey down this river through Hampton Roads near 
Newport News, and Fortress Monroe, where the Stars and Stripes 
now waive over Jeff Davis' headquarters and enter Chesapeake Bay. 
oZ boat is so heavily loaded we lay by a short time m the mouth 
of York river because of storm. We finally arrive at Baltimore, Md 
where the regiment boards a train after a few hours delay journeying 
westward passing through the Allegheny mountains and on to Pitts 



183 



Footprints Through Dixie 

burgh where we stop off and the good citizens treat us to the squarest 
meal we have looked upon and devoured since entering service. Then 
on to Wellsville, Ohio, where the regiment is joined by our gallant 
old colonel, General Reilly, and from here over our native soil to 
Cleveland where we arrive near noon on June 20. Here the regiment 
is ordered from the train dressed up in our "dirty best" for parade to 
the Public Square where we "trim" up another square meal prepared 
by the citizens. After settling our dinners we march to the heights 
of Camp Taylor where many troops now returning from service are 
camping while waiting final discharge. 

Friends from the northern part of the state are in the city to 
welcome us home. After breaking ranks we mingle with these 
friends, all rejoicing at our safe return and the result of our service. 
A number are here whose loved ones have not returned, to learn 
more particulars of the death of father, son or brother. Even to 
soldiers accustomed to distressing scenes of warfare the sorrows of 
these bereaved ones awaken heartfelt sympathy from surviving com- 
rades. 

At the request of citizens the regiment has its last dress parade 
in the presence of thousands who loudly applaud after we go through 
the manual of arms with the precision of well trained regular sol- 
diers, then stack our arms for the last time. 

On June 28, we are paid off, discharged and given transportation 
to our homes. We have served two years and ten months in active 
service and during that time have traveled over three thousand miles 
by rail and water, and marched about four thousand miles leaving on 
this trail the graves of over two hundred men of the regiment, and 
double this number discharged because of disabling wounds and 
other physical disability, and something less than one hundred who 
have spent a portion of this time in rebel prisons. The regiment has 
taken over two hundred prisoners, eleven stands of the enemy col- 
ors and four pieces of artillery. 

The regiment has been under the enemy's fire one hundred and 
twelve days during its term of service and taking into consideration 
its march of about three hundred miles through the Cumberland 
mountains and on to Cumberland Gap, the siege of Knoxville, Tenn. 
(the only siege suffered by the Union forces during the war) and our 
experience at "Valley Forge," the Atlanta campaign and doubling 
back over the same territory between that city and Nashville, Tenn., 
ending with trailing though the swamps of North Carolina from the 
Atlantic coast to Wilmington, and on to Raleigh, and Greensboro, 
N. C, we feel that our duty has been fully and faithfully performed 
during a long period of cruel suffering, sorrow and desolation, where 
tens of thousands have given the "last full measure of devotion" to 
save the Union and establish "a new birth of freedom." 

June 29, 1865 the surviving squad of Marlboro boys board a train 
at Cleveland and are soon in Alliance where conveyances are hired to 

184 



Footprints Through Dixie 

take us home. Of the thirty three who enlisted from Marlboro, eight 
were killed or died from disease, eight were discharged because of 
disabling wounds or other physical disability, two deserted and 
fifteen now return to their homes. 

Among the hardy and dutiful soldiers, whose record has not 
been given on these pages, are Albert Stambaugh and Jonas 
Wearstler of Marlboro township, Franklin Acker of Lake town- 
ship and David Bates of Paris township who passed through their 
entire term of two years and ten months service without missing 
a day on duty. 

Before leaving Cleveland these Marlboro boys provide them- 
selves with new suits of citizen's clothing including hats, shoes, 
white starched shirts and paper collars and cuffs. On arriving home 
tubs of water with ample supplies of soap and insect powder await 
us to which we are immediately introduced after the first greeting. 
The folks at home prefer to forego further greetings for the present. 
We soon appear dressed in citizens clothing but these new duds are 
uncomfortable, especially so the stiff bosomed shirts, and paper 
collars. A look in the glass impress us that an introduction would 
not be amiss. Little patches of whiskers growing here and there are 
now missing and hair parted at the old scar that has seldom been 
exposed. With a wide exposure of white shirt front and white paper 
rings about our necks and wrists we really feel timid about going 
out on the street fearing we may hear some one whistle the dog call 
we gave the white collared and gloved Potomac guards. (While en- 
camped at Washington City we gave these guards the name of "Ring" 
because of their white collars and always whistled the dog call 
when we wished to attract their attention. 

We have now fulfilled our contract with Uncle Sam. and can come 
and go as we please without pass or countersign. Again we pass 
through the experience of adapting ourselves to changed conditions 
and manner of living. We are restless and want to be moving and 
are trying hard to become reconciled to this new life of peace and 
quiet but not lamenting over the loss of a "steady" job. The exciting 
and strenuous scenes of the past three years are in strange contrast 
with the peaceful quiet of home. Recollections of the severe drill 
and discipline of exacting army officers with the dangers and hard- 
ships through which we have passed is a wonderful aid in bringing 
about a reconciliation to civil life. We find employment in the hay 
field where we work in spite of blistered hands. We haven't handled 
shovel or ax for several months so our hands are now soft but the 
heavy callous on the bottoms of our feet remain for some time. 
Nights are spent lying on floors and couches before we become rec- 
onciled to mother's soft beds but it's a comfort to know that we can 
now rest without fear of reveille call or the long roll to awaken us 
from peaceful slumber. Regular meals and full rations with pastries 
and dainties ruin our appetites for our stomachs seem to have be- 
come adjusted to the army rations at irregular hours and in irregular 
quantities. 

185 



Footprints Through Dixie 

During the summer of 1863 while leaving many footprints (some- 
times with the heels pointing toward the enemy) on the hot and dusty 
pikes in Kentucky, a mania for letter writing breaks out in the ranks 
of company "B". This was started by boys giving their chums the 
name of a neighbor girl at home, or sister perhaps, with whom to cor- 
respond. Other boys advertised in home papers for correspondents 
and the girls were not slow in responding. A brisk correspondence 
followed until our duties became so pressing that the good work 
somewhat lagged. In a number of cases this correspondence was 
carried on under assumed names on the part of the girls and the cor- 
rect names given later on should the parties become interested in 
each other. One of the girls in whom I became interested positively 
refused to give her name until the discovery was made at the close 
of the war that my young sister at home had been working the north- 
ern end of my correspondence line, she enjoying the joke much more 
than her victim did. My romance was all shot to pieces and to add 
to this mortification Sis. persisted in repeating sentences from these 
letters that her victim had lost all interest in and didn't want to be 
reminded of, more especially in the presence of company. The last 
letter received from this unknown correspondent bore the following 
inscription on the envelope: — 

"This is for J. W. whose surname is Gaskill 
Who, I trust will receive the enclosed epistle. 
A soldier is he, 
In Company "B", 
And regiment One Hundred and Four 
Brigade the First, 
Division the Third, 
And Twenty Third Army Corps." 

"To follow the regiment." 
Soon after the close of the war a roster of soldiers who entered 
the army from Marlboro township is compiled which shows that out 
of a population of about sixteen hundred inhabitants in the township, 
one hundred and eleven enlistments were made, twenty-three of whom 
were killed or died in service. The fate of three of the soldiers was 
never known and it is quite probable the bodies of the boys now 
occupy graves among the thousands marked "unknown." 




186 



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